Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, dismissed allegations from the United States linking Tehran to a plot to assassinate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Araqchi rejected the claims, describing them as fabricated and called for a new era of confidence-building between the long-hostile nations.
“Once again, a fictional scenario is concocted to vilify Iran,” Araqchi posted on social media platform X, referring to U.S. accusations that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were involved in a plot to target Trump, who recently won the presidential election and is set to assume office in January.
Araqchi reiterated Iran’s respect for the U.S. electoral process, stating, “The American people have made their choice, and Iran respects their decision. Building a path forward requires mutual respect.”
Addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear intentions, Araqchi clarified, “Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons. This is a principle rooted in our religious beliefs and security policies.” He added that both nations would need to engage in confidence-building efforts, emphasizing that it “is not a one-way street.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, suggested that the assassination plot claim was a ploy by external forces, particularly Israel and Iranian opposition groups, to heighten tensions between Tehran and Washington.
While no formal diplomatic ties are currently in place, some analysts in Tehran see potential for a diplomatic thaw under Trump’s administration. Saeed Laylaz, a Tehran-based analyst, said, “Iran will act in accordance with its own national interests. Secret negotiations between Tehran and Washington are possible if security threats against Iran are alleviated.”
Amid regional tensions with Israel, Iran’s leadership remains concerned about potential conflicts in the region, where Israel has been actively involved in confrontations with Iran-backed groups in Gaza and Lebanon.
