Tehran [Iran], March 8 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi sharply criticized US President Donald Trump, saying the US “misadventure” has already cost the American military $100 billion and the lives of young soldiers. Araghchi asserted that Trump’s miscalculation of Iran’s capabilities and intent undermined Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s offer of regional de-escalation.
In a post on X, Araghchi said President Pezeshkian had expressed willingness to de-escalate provided neighbouring countries’ airspace, territory and waters are not used to attack the Iranian people, but that gesture was “almost immediately killed” by Trump. Araghchi warned that if Trump seeks escalation, Iran’s armed forces are prepared and responsibility for any intensification of Iran’s self-defence would rest with the US administration.
“Mr. Trump’s week-long misadventure has already cost the U.S. military $100 Billion, in addition to the lives of young soldiers. When markets reopen, that cost will balloon and directly be transferred to ordinary Americans at pumping stations,” he wrote.
Araghchi said the US National Intelligence Council—drawing on the 18 US intelligence agencies—had concluded a war with Iran would fail, and that he had warned US envoys war would not improve their bargaining position. He accused a small “cabal of ‘Israel Firsters'” of pushing the US into a chosen war, saying “‘Israel First’ always means ‘America Last'”.
Araghchi shared his remarks alongside a post quoting President Pezeshkian’s openness to de-escalation: “President Pezeshkian expressed openness to de-escalation within our region—provided that our neighbors’ airspace, territory, and waters are not used to attack the Iranian People. Gesture to our neighbors was almost immediately killed by President Trump.”
The remarks come amid rising tensions in West Asia as the conflict widens and several countries are affected. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will never capitulate after Trump demanded “unconditional surrender,” as Tehran continues strikes in Israel and the Gulf with drones and missiles. Pezeshkian condemned what he called indiscriminate bombing and called for unity to defend Iran’s territory and sovereignty, saying Iranians are ready to give their lives rather than surrender.
Separately, US President Donald Trump told the Shield of the Americas Summit that the US had knocked out 42 Iranian navy ships and destroyed their communications, according to his remarks. (ANI)
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