Iran Reacts to Trump Speech: 'Pure Deception'

By Amira El-Fekki‎

Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks about Tehran, accusing Washington of decades of sabotage and of covering up Israeli crimes in the region.

President Donald Trump labeled Iran as the "most destructive force in the region", while on a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment.

Why It Matters

The remarks underscore tensions between the U.S. and Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks with Trump saying he hopes to achieve an agreement that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

If talks fail, he has threatened possible military action. Iran says it seeks only a peaceful nuclear program, but will defend itself against any attack.

What To Know

"The fact that the US turns a blind eye to Israel's threats and all the crimes committed by Israel in the region, while trying to portray Iran as a threat, is pure deception," Araghchi told reporters on Wednesday, according to the semi-official Iranian Mehr News Agency.

Trump, who chose Gulf countries as his destination during his first overseas trip, blamed the region's troubles on "the past chaos of Iran's leaders," and said he wants to offer "a new path and a much better path toward a far better and more hopeful future," in a speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh.

Araghchi, who leads the Iranian negotiations' delegation, traveled to some Gulf countries a few days before Trump's Middle East tour. His visit was described by Iranian media as part of Tehran's ongoing policy of strengthening ties with neighboring countries and updating them on the Tehran-Washington talks.

Arab countries have encouraged the talks, with Oman emerging as a key mediator between the U.S. and Iran as well between the U.S. and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, with whom a ceasefire agreement was reached last week.

White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff is tasked with pushing Iran into agreeing to U.S. demands regarding Iran's nuclear program, but Tehran has said its enrichment program is non-negotiable.

What People Are Saying

Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi, as quoted by MEHR: "I heard the US president's remarks last night.

Unfortunately, a deceitful narrative was presented. It is the United States, through its sanctions over the past forty-plus years, and with its military and non-military pressures and threats, that has obstructed the progress of the Iranian nation.

The one truly responsible for Iran's economic hardships is America and its hegemonic policies that have been imposed on our people."

U.S. President Donald Trump speaking in Riyadh: "As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be very profound, which obviously they are in the case of Iran."

What Happens Next

More rounds of nuclear talks are expected to take place between the United States and Iran amid threats of wars and against a backdrop of military buildups on both sides.