Israeli Defence Minister's Controversial Comment Sparks Tehran Rebuttal

Iran’s foreign minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi responded forcefully on social media to a controversial comment by Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz. Gantz had alleged that Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei is destined to die soon and labeled Iranian negotiators as “good merchants” seeking concessions.

Araghchi countered that the Islamabad MoU’s clauses are transparent and that the United States, through President Trump, has pledged to protect its Israeli allies. He warned that any intimidation against Iran will trigger a rapid and robust reply.

The exchange took place amid ongoing indirect talks between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan in Doha. These talks aim to operationalise the June 17 MoU, covering issues such as the release of frozen Iranian assets and the safety of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides remain in closed‑door meetings, with no face‑to‑face contact, as mediators push for a finalised implementation plan.