Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi launched a sharp critique against Israel during his address at the Al Jazeera Forum in Qatar on Saturday, condemning what he characterized as a “doctrine of domination” in regional security affairs. Speaking just one day after nuclear discussions with American officials, Araghchi asserted that this doctrine enables unchecked Israeli military expansion while demanding neighboring nations disarm.
The senior diplomat articulated that Israel’s strategic objectives necessitate the systematic weakening of adjacent countries across multiple domains—military, technological, economic, and social. “Under this project Israel is free to expand its military arsenal without limits… Yet other countries are demanded to disarm. Others are pressured to reduce defensive capacity. Others are punished for scientific progress,” Araghchi stated before the international audience.
Notably absent from his remarks was any direct reference to Friday’s negotiations in Muscat, where Araghchi led Iran’s delegation in indirect talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Both sides subsequently characterized the discussions positively, with US President Donald Trump describing them as “very good” and confirming mutual agreement to continue diplomatic engagement.
These talks occurred against a complex backdrop of regional tensions. Last June witnessed the collapse of previous negotiations when Israel initiated an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iranian targets, triggering a twelve-day conflict that included Israeli strikes on military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilian areas. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks against Israeli positions and the largest US military installation in the Middle East, located in Qatar.
The renewed diplomatic engagement follows recent Washington threats and aircraft carrier deployments to the region after Iran’s suppression of anti-government protests last month. The United States continues advocating for expanded negotiations addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional militant groups—issues Israel strongly supports including in discussions. Tehran maintains its consistent position rejecting any expansion beyond nuclear matters.