Iranian official blames Netanyahu for escalating conflict

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has accused US President Donald Trump of dragging the United States into what he described as an “unjust war” with Iran because of the “recklessness” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a message posted on the social media platform X in both Persian and Arabic on Wednesday, Larijani criticised Washington’s decision to join Israel in the military campaign against Tehran.

“Trump dragged the American people into an unjust war with Iran as a result of Netanyahu’s recklessness and farcical behaviour,” he wrote.

Larijani also questioned the United States’ long-standing political slogan, asking: “Is the slogan still ‘America First’? Or has it become ‘Israel First’?”

READ: Iraqi armed group warns European states against joining aggression against Iran

The Iranian official warned that the conflict was far from over. Referring to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he said that his death would come at a heavy price.

The remarks came on the fifth day of fighting after Israel and the United States launched large-scale strikes against Iran on 28th February, according to Iranian officials. The attacks reportedly killed hundreds of people, including senior security figures.

Tehran has responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and what it describes as American interests across the region. Some of those attacks have reportedly caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including ports and residential areas.

The confrontation has raised fears of a broader regional war as military operations and retaliatory strikes continue.

OPINION: The General Who Swallowed His Truth