Zarif Slams ‘Ridiculous Israeli Media Lies’ Fueling Anti-Iran Narratives
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has issued a forceful statement, officially denying recent allegations that he labeled “ridiculous and baseless.” In his statement, Dr. Zarif vehemently criticized the alleged exploitation of these claims by media outlets affiliated with the Israeli regime, warning that the perpetuation of such fabrications serves to construct false narratives against Iran and its national interests.
Official Denial Amidst Accusations of Exploitation
Zarif revealed that his office initially deemed the claims so “absurd and without foundation” that a formal denial was not considered necessary. However, the subsequent “misuse” of these narratives by Israeli media during what he described as “painful days” compelled him to officially refute the “shameful storytelling.” He highlighted the danger of a “lying individual,” allegedly favored by various hardline factions, being able to attribute such significant falsehoods to a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and a prominent political figure, only for these fabrications to be repeatedly amplified by Israeli media.
Countering Divisive Narratives and Foreign Agendas
Dr. Zarif asserted that the Iranian people have witnessed for decades how certain individuals, operating under “deceptive claims,” have inadvertently or intentionally served the “provocations of the Israeli regime.” He argued that this latest “dirty lie” once again provided fertile ground for the creation of “fabricated narratives” by figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates. Zarif explicitly stated that Netanyahu’s “sinister intentions” to “divide our beloved Iran” have recently been brought to light in articles published by certain “hardline American media outlets.”
A Call for Internal Vigilance and National Unity
Concluding his statement, Zarif suggested that this “harmony of voices” – referring to the alleged confluence of internal elements and external adversaries – should serve as a crucial “wake-up call.” He urged an end to the “safe haven” enjoyed by those who, for years, have invoked “revolutionary rhetoric” to resort to “every lie, slander, and accusation,” thereby inflicting damage upon “our beloved Iran.” The statement was issued by Dr. Zarif’s office on January 20, 2026.
