Iran Threatens Retaliation as US-Iran Talks Advance
Araghchi warns of decisive response if Israel strikes Beirut, while Trump claims a deal could be reached by the weekend.
Iran Threatens Retaliation as US-Iran Talks Advance — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened today that if Israel attacks Hezbollah targets in Beirut, Iran will respond decisively.[^1] The remarks, made in an interview with Al-Mayadeen, come as the US State Department announced an agreement to implement a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, conditional on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of its operatives south of the Litani River. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran are 'going well' and that a finalized deal could be reached by the weekend. He described Iran as 'volatile' but emphasized a preference for diplomacy. Key issues—uranium enrichment, security guarantees, and the missile program—remain unresolved, and Iran insists on unfreezing assets worth about $12 billion, tying the agreement to a halt in strikes on Hezbollah.[^1] The contrasting signals—Araghchi's threat and Trump's optimism—highlight the fragility of the diplomatic track. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also claimed that a failed US Patriot interceptor missile struck Kuwait International Airport on Tuesday, denying reports that Tehran was responsible for the attack. The attack resulted in one death and over 60 injuries. The US has not commented on the claim. As the weekend approaches, the gap between a potential deal and the reality on the ground remains wide. IDF Chief Accuses MK of Exploiting Security Resources for Political Visit — Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir wrote a harsh letter accusing MK Zvi Sukkot (Otzma Yehudit) that his visit to Joseph's Tomb last month diverted many military forces, including those stationed in Lebanon. The tour required three reserve battalions, 26 armored vehicles, combat engineers, a drone, and security forces[^1]. Zamir sent the letter to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the Prime Minister, and the Defense Minister. The episode highlights a tension between parliamentary oversight and the exploitation of security frameworks for political events[^1]. Separately, the Knesset approved a Tax Benefits Law for Judea and Samaria communities with a 32-23 majority[^6