Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister has launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump, the United States President, saying he “betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him” amid the expanding war between Tehran, Washington, and Israel.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Araghchi said that complex nuclear negotiations had been treated “like a real estate transaction” and that big falsehoods had obscured the realities of the talks. “The outcome? Bombing the negotiation table out of spite,” he added, accusing Trump of undermining efforts to reach a diplomatic solution before the outbreak of hostilities.
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The sharp rebuke came as relations between Tehran and European capitals also frayed. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Wednesday that the UK minister for the Middle East summoned Iran’s ambassador in London, to protest what it described as “escalatory behaviour” by Tehran that risks dragging the region into a wider conflict. The UK government said the move followed what it called Iran’s role in heightening tensions across the Middle East.
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The diplomatic row is unfolding against a worsening military crisis. Iranian officials say the death toll from United States and Israeli strikes now stands at 1,045, based on figures from a government agency. The toll represents bodies identified and prepared for burial amid five days of intense bombardment.
Explosions have been reported in multiple Iranian cities, including the capital, and state television has shown buildings reduced to rubble. Israel’s military operations have targeted security and leadership sites, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and across the Gulf region.
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The conflict has threatened to engulf a wider swathe of the Middle East. Gulf states have reported intercepting barrages of drones and missiles, and internet connectivity in Iran has plunged as the government seeks to control information amid the turmoil.
Iran’s criticism of Trump reflects deep frustration in Tehran over the collapse of diplomacy after weeks of indirect talks on nuclear and security issues.
