Iran warns US not to be swayed by Netanyahu ahead of talks

Iran has warned the United States against allowing Israel to influence its foreign policy, as tensions persist ahead of renewed diplomatic engagements.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei told a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday that Washington should act independently and not permit Israel to dictate its decisions.

Baghaei criticised Israel’s role in regional diplomacy and said Iran’s scepticism towards the United States was rooted in past experience, particularly developments over the past decade and recent US actions.

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He said ongoing threats and sanctions require Tehran to exercise “extreme caution” in diplomatic processes, but insisted that Iran remains committed to diplomacy and bases its positions on international law and the “legitimate rights” of the Iranian people. He added that the resumption of talks and agreement to continue negotiations marked an important beginning, but said Iran would judge the process by Washington’s conduct.

Separately, Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned US President Donald Trump ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Larijani said the US should “think carefully” and not allow Netanyahu to shape the framework of negotiations. He cautioned against the destructive role by “Zionist actors” in influencing global decision-making.

His remarks were reported by Mehr News Agency as part of broader Iranian messaging surrounding the renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

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