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Iranian Foreign Minister Condemns Israeli Publisher’s False Claims Against Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized Miriam Adelson, owner and director of Israel Hayom newspaper, for publishing what he describes as false allegations against Iran in a recent editorial.
The controversy emerged after Adelson claimed in a February 11 editorial that Iran had deceived U.S. President Donald Trump. The timing of the publication was particularly notable, coming shortly after Iranian and American negotiators held nuclear talks in Oman on February 6, and immediately before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington for discussions with President Trump.
“Whenever Miriam Adelson’s mouthpiece pushes a dramatic claim about Iran, it’s worth asking who it serves. Even the U.S. President has acknowledged where her primary loyalties lie,” Araghchi stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account, suggesting that the publication serves Israeli interests rather than presenting objective reporting.
The Israel Hayom article stated that Netanyahu was “expected to outline what Israel sees as the wrong contours of any potential U.S.-Iran agreement” during his Washington visit. The publication also claimed that “the likelihood of Trump signing what Israelis would view as a humiliating agreement, similar to or worse than the Obama-era deal, appears remote,” indicating strong opposition to any potential new nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran.
Of particular concern to Araghchi was Israel Hayom’s allegation that Iran has executed protesters detained during unrest in January. The foreign minister directly refuted this claim, stating, “No executions have taken place, no court process has been concluded, and more than 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned.”
Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, inherited control of Las Vegas Sands Corporation after her husband’s death and continues to be a significant political donor in both American and Israeli politics. The Adelson family has long been known for their strong pro-Israel stance and substantial financial support for conservative politicians in both countries.
Israel Hayom, founded by Sheldon Adelson in 2007, has grown to become one of Israel’s most widely read newspapers. Critics have often characterized it as heavily supportive of Netanyahu and his policies, with some referring to it colloquially as “Bibiton” (combining Netanyahu’s nickname “Bibi” with the Hebrew word for newspaper, “iton”).
The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western powers. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018, has remained a contentious issue. Israel has consistently opposed the agreement, claiming it does not sufficiently prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons – an allegation Iran has repeatedly denied.
Araghchi concluded his response with a warning about the motivations behind such reporting: “Before buying the narrative being peddled, consider who benefits from it—and who may actually be doing the deceiving.”
This public diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions in the Middle East, with Iran and Israel positioned as key adversaries with conflicting strategic interests across multiple fronts, including Syria, Lebanon, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
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7 Comments
This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of scrutinizing sources and verifying information, particularly when it comes to sensitive geopolitical issues. The media must strive for objectivity and avoid fueling tensions through unsubstantiated claims.
The Iranian FM’s direct rebuke of these claims is telling. It highlights the delicate nature of the nuclear deal negotiations and the need for all parties to approach the issue with caution and restraint. Responsible reporting is crucial in such a charged environment.
This highlights the complexities and political sensitivities around the Iran nuclear deal negotiations. It’s crucial that media outlets exercise caution and rely on verifiable facts rather than speculation or partisan agendas.
The timing of these claims is certainly curious. I wonder if there are deeper geopolitical motivations at play here. Transparent and fact-based reporting is essential when dealing with such high-stakes diplomatic matters.
It’s concerning to see such inflammatory allegations being made, especially on the eve of high-level diplomatic talks. I hope this incident prompts a closer examination of the motivations and standards behind the reporting on this issue.
Interesting development. It’s important to scrutinize any unsubstantiated claims, especially those that could inflame tensions. The Iranian FM’s response suggests a need for more objective and balanced reporting on this sensitive issue.
The Iranian FM’s dismissal of these claims as false is noteworthy. It underscores the need for rigorous journalistic standards, especially when covering volatile international relations. I hope this encourages more nuanced and impartial coverage going forward.