Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked the United States and Israel over launching an offensive against Tehran. Issuing a stern warning to Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his pledge to "eliminate the Iranian threat", Araghchi challenged both the US and Israel to try their luck. The Iranian Foreign Minister also asserted that the Islamic Republic, too, had "unfinished jobs." In a post on X, Araghchi slammed Trump's post endorsing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections, stating that the last time the US issued such an ultimatum, Iran emerged "even stronger." "Last time you wanted to 'finish the job', Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too," he wrote. Araghchi also accused Netanyahu of dragging the US into another war, regardless of the consequences for either country, after Trump warned that Washington could be left to confront Iran alone if Israel chose the “wrong Leader.” "Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail, whatever the consequences for Israel—let alone POTUS," Araghchi wrote. The Iranian Foreign Minister's remarks came as Trump backed Netanyahu for re-election, lauding his leadership in handling Iran and asserting that Israel requires a figure of his standing at the helm. Trump said this on Truth Social, praising Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and an even greater “Partner for Peace”, specifically regarding the confrontation with Iran. Highlighting Tehran's enduring hostility towards Israel and the United States, Trump cited its “51-year-old chant” of “Death to Israel, Death to America! We will destroy the Little Satan and the Big Satan.” Questioning how any nation could endure such threats over decades, Trump argued that rhetoric eventually materialises into action, making it only a matter of time before Iran actualises its threats. He claimed that Iran had already been weakened on several fronts, both militarily and financially, though he maintained that the danger remained active. Unless Tehran altered its course swiftly, he warned, the US and its allies would “soon finish the job”. Much of the statement focused on Netanyahu's resilience under political pressure. Characterised as “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant”, the Israeli leader was commended for standing firm amid years of domestic and international opposition. Trump noted that while others might have yielded under comparable pressure, Netanyahu had grown stronger and demonstrated the exact resolve Washington expects from an Israeli ally. In response, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump for his "extraordinary endorsement", framing the upcoming ballot in Israel as a decisive choice on eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat. In a direct appeal to both Israeli voters and the American public, Netanyahu praised Trump's leadership while arguing that their strategic partnership is essential to completing the mission against Iran's nuclear ambitions and stabilising global energy markets. In his video message shared on X, Netanyahu commended the US President for facing down threats from what he termed "this vile, murderous dictatorship in Tehran", emphasising Trump's unwavering stance against internal political pushback. Iran's Hormuz Deal On Table Iran's offer to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days is still on the table, Araghchi said on Sunday. Araghchi said that if Washington accepts Tehran's conditions, the strait could reopen within six days, with talks resuming on the seventh day. "Our situation is clear and based on the seven-day proposal presented to the US. They shared comments which we are reviewing, but our proposal is still on the table and if there is any honesty on the US part, which there isn't, the way to reopening the Strait of Hormuz is obvious," Araghchi said. Trump's Ratings Drop Meanwhile, Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level, while Democrats have opened an eight-point lead over Republicans in the race for control of the House of Representatives, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. The survey, conducted from October 9 to 13 among 2,545 US adults, found that 33% approved of the way Trump was handling his job as president, while 66% disapproved. More than half of respondents, 52%, said they strongly disapproved of his performance.
