Araghchi: Trump destroyed Iranian president's friendly gesture toward neighboring countries

"President Pezeshkian's openness to de-escalation in our region — on the condition that the airspace, territory and waters of our neighbors not be used to attack the Iranian people — was almost immediately destroyed by President Trump's misreading of our capabilities, resolve and intentions," Araghchi wrote on X.

He added that "if Trump seeks escalation, that is precisely what our Mighty Armed Forces have long been prepared for, and what he will get."

Araghchi noted that responsibility for any intensification of Iran's self-defense actions would lie directly with the US administration. The senior Iranian diplomat emphasized that Trump's week-long adventure has already cost the US military $100 billion, not counting the lives of young soldiers. "When markets reopen, this cost will skyrocket and fall directly on the shoulders of ordinary Americans at the pump," he said.

Araghchi stressed that Trump's own National Intelligence Council, representing 18 US intelligence agencies, concluded that war with Iran is doomed to fail. He also said he had warned Trump's representatives that war would not improve Washington's negotiating position, and questioned whether such warnings had been passed on.

"The American people voted to end costly involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. Instead, they got an administration that Netanyahu, after decades of failed attempts, finally managed to trick into fighting Israel's wars," he said.

Araghchi concluded by characterizing the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran as "a war of choice waged by a small group of 'Israel-firsters,'" adding that "'Israel First' always means 'America Last.'"