Fact Check: "Netanyahu began this war with his attack on Iran. In the process, he sabotaged US-Iran negotiations on nuclear issues and assassinated Ali Shamkhani, Iran's lead nuclear negotiator."

What We Know

The claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated a war with Iran through an attack and the assassination of Ali Shamkhani, Iran's lead nuclear negotiator, is rooted in recent events surrounding the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which resulted in significant casualties, including the reported death of Shamkhani (source-1; source-3). Following these strikes, Iran suspended its negotiations with the United States concerning its nuclear program, which had already been tenuous (source-5).

However, it is important to note that the context of these events involves a long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran, characterized by numerous covert operations and military engagements over many years. The Israeli government has often justified its military actions as preventive measures against perceived existential threats from Iran's nuclear ambitions (source-2).

Analysis

The assertion that Netanyahu "began this war" simplifies a complex situation that has evolved over decades. While it is accurate that Israel's recent military actions against Iran escalated tensions significantly, the characterization of these actions as the starting point of a war overlooks the ongoing hostilities and proxy conflicts that have existed between the two nations. The Israeli strikes are part of a broader pattern of military engagement that includes previous attacks on Iranian interests and personnel (source-2).

The claim regarding the assassination of Ali Shamkhani is supported by multiple reports, which indicate that his death was perceived as a strategic move by Israel to disrupt Iranian negotiations with the U.S. (source-3; source-6). However, the assertion that this assassination directly sabotaged negotiations is more interpretative than factual. While it is true that the assassination occurred amidst the negotiations, attributing the failure of these talks solely to this event does not account for the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources reporting these events varies. Mainstream media outlets such as The New York Times and Al Jazeera provide detailed accounts of the events, while other sources may have biases that could color their interpretations of the facts (source-1; source-3). It is crucial to assess these reports critically, considering the potential for political motivations behind the narratives presented.

Conclusion

The claim that Netanyahu initiated a war with Iran through an attack and the assassination of Ali Shamkhani is False. While Israel's military actions have indeed escalated tensions and resulted in significant consequences, they are part of a long-standing conflict rather than the beginning of a new war. The assassination of Shamkhani, while impactful, cannot be solely blamed for the breakdown of negotiations, which were already fraught with challenges. Therefore, the assertion oversimplifies a complex geopolitical situation.

Fact Check: "Netanyahu began this war with his attack on Iran. In the process, he sabotaged US-Iran negotiations on nuclear issues and assassinated Ali Shamkhani, Iran's lead nuclear negotiator."