Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Accuses Israel of Pursuing “Greater Israel” to Reshape the Middle East
Reflecto News – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has accused Israel of seeking to establish a “Greater Israel” as part of a broader effort to redraw the map and reshape the political order of the Middle East.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi and in subsequent remarks, Khatibzadeh described the ongoing regional conflicts — including U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran and its allies — as driven by “power politics” and the “delusion of Greater Israel.” He claimed this vision, long associated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ambitions, aims to impose hegemony, weaken Iran and its partners, and fundamentally alter the region’s balance of power.
Khatibzadeh framed the current tensions as an “existential war” for Iran, stating that Tehran is under attack based on “flat lies” and that the ultimate goal is to end Iran’s role as a major regional actor and one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations.
Iran’s Perspective on Regional Dynamics
Iranian officials have repeatedly linked Israeli military operations — including actions in Lebanon against Hezbollah and strikes on Iranian targets — to a long-term strategy of territorial expansion and dominance. They point to historical maps and statements associated with the “Greater Israel” concept, which some interpret as encompassing parts of neighboring countries, as evidence of expansionist intent.
Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran remains a “stabilizing force” in the region and vowed to defend itself against what it calls foreign aggression, including the presence of U.S. forces and bases in the Persian Gulf.
Context Within the U.S.-Iran Ceasefire and Broader Conflict
The comments come as the fragile two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire faces significant strain:
- Iran has reimposed strict controls over the Strait of Hormuz, citing the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of its ports.
- Gunfire was recently reported against merchant vessels attempting to transit the strait.
- High-level talks are potentially scheduled for Monday in Islamabad, Pakistan, though confirmation from the U.S. side is still pending.
Trump has described negotiations as progressing and claimed major concessions from Iran, while warning that failure to reach a deal could lead to the ceasefire not being extended and a return to military pressure. Iranian officials continue to insist that the U.S. must lift its blockade for normal commercial passage through the strait to resume.
The “Greater Israel” accusation is a longstanding Iranian talking point, often used to rally domestic and regional support by portraying Israel (and its U.S. backer) as the aggressor seeking to dominate the Middle East at the expense of Muslim and Arab nations.
Reflecto News will monitor any official responses from Israel, the United States, or other regional actors, as well as developments in the ceasefire and upcoming diplomatic engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister say?
Saeed Khatibzadeh accused Israel of pursuing a “Greater Israel” delusion driven by power politics and ambitions to reshape the Middle East through hegemony and weakening Iran and its allies.
Q2: What is the “Greater Israel” concept?
It refers to a controversial idea, often attributed to certain Israeli nationalist visions, of a larger territorial entity that some interpret as including parts of neighboring countries. Iran and its allies frequently cite it as evidence of expansionist intent.
Q3: How does this fit into the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire?
The statement reflects Iran’s broader narrative that Israeli actions (including in Lebanon) and U.S. support are part of a regional redesign, complicating efforts to stabilize the truce and advance talks in Islamabad.
Q4: Has Israel responded to the accusation?
No direct response to Khatibzadeh’s latest remarks has been reported. Israel has consistently denied expansionist ambitions and frames its operations as defensive against threats like Hezbollah and Iran.
Q5: What is the current status of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran has reimposed strict controls, with recent reports of gunfire against merchant vessels attempting to pass. Unrestricted commercial traffic remains limited amid the U.S. naval blockade.
Q6: When are the next U.S.-Iran talks?
Iranian sources have indicated a possible round as early as Monday in Islamabad, though the U.S. has not yet confirmed the timing.
Q7: Why does Iran repeatedly raise the “Greater Israel” issue?
It serves as a rhetorical tool to delegitimize Israeli actions, rally regional and domestic support, and portray the conflict as part of a larger existential struggle rather than isolated security issues.
For continuous, accurate coverage of U.S.-Iran diplomacy, regional accusations, and developments in the Middle East, follow Reflecto News — your source for timely and professional reporting.