Fact Check: Iran's foreign minister claimed on October 1, 2023, that Israel's ongoing attacks could not have occurred without the agreement and support of the United States.

Fact Check: Iran's Foreign Minister Claims U.S. Support for Israeli Attacks

What We Know

On October 1, 2023, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Israel's ongoing attacks could not have occurred without the agreement and support of the United States. This claim comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly following a series of military engagements. Reports indicate that Israel has conducted multiple strikes against Iranian targets, which have been characterized as part of a broader strategy to counter Iran's military capabilities, especially regarding its nuclear program (Brookings).

The context of these attacks includes a significant escalation in hostilities, with Israel reportedly launching a barrage of missiles targeting Iranian military sites. Araghchi's assertion reflects a long-standing narrative from Iranian officials that implicates the U.S. in Israeli military actions against Iran (MSN).

Additionally, U.S. officials have historically maintained a complex relationship with Israel, often providing military support and intelligence, which can be interpreted as tacit approval of Israeli military operations (Congress.gov).

Analysis

The claim made by Araghchi hinges on the interpretation of U.S.-Israeli relations and the nature of military support. While it is documented that the U.S. has provided Israel with military aid and intelligence, the extent to which this constitutes direct support for specific attacks is less clear. For instance, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that the U.S. and Israel are working closely on security matters, there is no explicit confirmation that the U.S. orchestrated or directly supported the attacks mentioned by Araghchi (Congress.gov).

Furthermore, the reliability of Araghchi's statement must be evaluated in the context of Iranian political rhetoric, which often seeks to portray the U.S. as an adversary. This framing can be seen as part of Iran's broader strategy to unify domestic support against external threats. The credibility of the claim is also impacted by the source; while Iranian officials may assert U.S. complicity, independent verification from neutral parties is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Moreover, the Brookings Institution highlights that while the U.S. has historically been involved in Israeli defense strategies, the specific claims of coordination for the October attacks lack substantiated evidence. The narrative surrounding U.S. involvement is often politically charged and may not reflect the complexities of military operations (Brookings).

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that Israel's attacks could not have occurred without U.S. support is a complex assertion that requires further investigation. While there is historical precedent for U.S. military aid to Israel, the specific allegations of direct involvement in the October 1 attacks remain unverified. The political motivations behind such statements from Iranian officials also necessitate a cautious approach to interpretation. More independent and objective analysis is needed to ascertain the accuracy of these claims.

Sources

1. Iran: Background and U.S. Policy
2. Israel strikes Iran. What happens next? - Brookings
3. Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked ...
4. L’Iran dévoile une « ville de missiles » souterraine (vidéo)
5. Iranian foreign minister warns of 'large-scale war' if Israel ... - MSN
6. 'Solid evidence': Iran says US bears responsibility for ...
7. Multiples explosions en Iran il y a une heure - JForum
8. Iran says it will respond 'decisively' if Israel attacks, asks UN to ...