Iran’s Foreign Minister Fires Back After Israeli Defense Chief Warns Khamenei

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to threats from Israeli Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ, writing that the U.S. is “obligated to restrain Israel” and that if it does not, Iran will teach the relevant parties a lesson.

Israeli Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ spoke at the state memorial ceremony marking 20 years since the fallen of the Second Lebanon War. During his remarks, Katz said that Israel had struck Iran twice with proactive preemptive blows, and warned that if necessary, Israel would attack a third time as well.

In his speech, Katz said: “The events of October 7 made one clear truth vivid for all of us: we must not wait until the threat is knocking on our front doors. Against those who seek to destroy us, we must act with determination, strength, and initiative.” He added that Israel had shattered Iran’s nuclear program, severely damaged its capabilities, pushed them back many years, and also struck Iran’s proxies throughout the region.

Katz also addressed the Iranian leadership directly, saying that Israel had struck Iran’s leaders, foremost among them Khamenei, who according to him led the plan to destroy Israel: “And if necessary, we will strike a third time as well.”

Araghchi responded in a post on X, writing that “Trump is obligated to ensure that the U.S. restrains its pets in Tel Aviv, and if they ignore their master, Iran will teach them a lesson”. Araghchi added: “Any threat against our people and our leadership will be met with a powerful and immediate response.”