Abbas Araghchi criticizes Israeli lobby influence on U.S. policy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the Israeli lobby of exerting undue influence over United States policy toward Iran. Araghchi’s comments followed an opinion piece published in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, which is owned by Miriam Adelson.

The article, written by Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argues for deeper military, technological, intelligence, and economic integration between the U.S. and Israel. Dubowitz suggests that the two nations should strengthen ties to a level where any actions causing financial harm to Israel would also carry significant consequences for Washington. He warned that the financial-sanctions apparatus currently used against Iran could eventually be turned against Israel, and proposed expanding economic ties with U.S. governors and financial institutions to shield Israel from potential future sanctions.

Araghchi responded via social media, stating that the lobby is becoming “less shy about its grip on U.S. policy toward Iran” and calling on Washington to “break free from these shackles.”