Iran's Araghchi denies US attack claims, calls allegations 'utter lie'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday forcefully rejected US claims that Iran had been planning to attack the US or its forces, calling the allegation "a sheer and utter lie." In a post on X, Araghchi stated that "The claim that Iran was planning on attacking the U.S. or U.S. Forces, whether preventively or preemptively, is a sheer and utter lie," directly challenging the stated justification for the US-Israeli military campaign.

'Operation Epic Mistake'

Araghchi added that the claim was intended to justify "Operation Epic Mistake," his dismissive reframing of the US-designated "Operation Epic Fury." He described the campaign as "a misadventure engineered by Israel and paid for by ordinary Americans," suggesting a disconnect between Israeli strategic interests and American public interests. His remarks reflect Tehran's official position that the US was misled into a conflict serving Israeli objectives.

Conflict context

Regional escalation has flared since Israel and the US launched a joint attack against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people and injuring 10,000, according to Iranian authorities. The strikes have killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and caused widespread infrastructure damage. Refusing to surrender, Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, with analysts estimating more than 3,000 projectiles launched.

Continuing rhetoric

Araghchi's denial comes as the conflict enters its 12th day with no signs of abating. US forces destroyed 10 Iranian mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday following President Trump's warning of unprecedented consequences, while Gulf states continue to intercept incoming projectiles. The war of words mirrors the intensifying military confrontation as both sides dig in.