Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has sharply criticised Israel following renewed nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, accusing Tel Aviv of enforcing a regional “doctrine of domination” that undermines neighbouring countries.
Speaking on Saturday at the Al Jazeera Forum in Qatar, Araghchi argued that Israel is allowed to expand its military power unchecked while pressuring other Middle Eastern nations to weaken their defence capabilities.
His comments came just a day after indirect nuclear negotiations with Washington resumed in Muscat, marking a diplomatic reset after last year’s talks collapsed amid escalating military hostilities.
“Israel’s expansionist project requires that neighbouring countries be weakened — militarily, technologically, economically and socially,” Araghchi said.
He added that under this framework, Israel faces no restrictions on expanding its military arsenal, while other nations are “pressured to disarm, punished for scientific progress, and forced to reduce defensive capacity.”
Araghchi described the approach as a clear “doctrine of domination” threatening regional stability.
Background: 12-Day War and Regional Fallout
Tensions peaked last June when Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran, triggering a 12-day conflict. The attacks targeted senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, strategic facilities and residential areas.
The United States later joined the conflict, striking key Iranian nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel and launched strikes on the largest US military base in the Middle East, located in Qatar.
Nuclear Talks Resume
On Friday, Araghchi led Iran’s delegation in indirect nuclear talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman. Despite recent hostilities, both sides struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
Araghchi described the atmosphere of the talks as “very positive,” while US President Donald Trump said discussions were “very good,” confirming that further negotiations have been agreed.
The talks followed heightened pressure from Washington, including threats of action and the deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to the region, particularly after Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month.
Sticking Points Remain
The United States continues to push for negotiations to cover Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its support for militant groups in the Middle East—an expansion of scope reportedly encouraged by Israel.
However, Tehran has repeatedly rejected any talks beyond its nuclear programme, insisting that regional and military issues remain non-negotiable.
