Working with China, Russia to stop European sanctions: Iran

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday his country was working with China and Russia to prevent the snapback of European sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear programme after Britain, France and Germany threatened to reimpose them.

“We will try to prevent it,” the top diplomat said in an interview with state TV, adding “We are working with China and Russia to stop it. If this does not work and they apply it, we have tools to respond. We will discuss them in due course.”

On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hit out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for Iranians to rise up against their government over power and water shortages.

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Netanyahu’s video message on Tuesday came as Iran grapples with persistent water and electricity shortages amid spells of hot weather.

It also came just two months after a 12-day war between the arch-foes, which began with Israel’s unprecedented attack on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure as well as residential areas.

The Israeli premier called on Iranians to “take risks for freedom”, “take to the streets” and demand accountability from the Iranian government.

He suggested bringing Israeli water experts to provide “cutting-edge technology and know-how” to Tehran.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian hit out at Netanyahu.

“The regime that deprived the people of Gaza of water and food wants to bring water to the people of Iran? What a mirage!” said Pezeshkian.

United Nations agencies have warned that famine is unfolding in the Gaza Strip, with Israel severely restricting the entry of aid.

Images of sick and emaciated Palestinian children have drawn international outrage.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has a track record of producing such videos targeting Iran.