Iranian FM Accuses Adelson-Owned Media of Pushing Anti-Iran Narratives

Araghchi slams Israel Hayom as 'mouthpiece' ahead of Netanyahu-Trump talks

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a series of tweets, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Israeli-American media mogul Miriam Adelson and her newspaper Israel Hayom, accusing the outlet of pushing 'dramatic claims' about Iran to influence U.S. and Israeli policy ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's White House visit. Araghchi refuted reports of secret Iranian executions, stating that over 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned instead.

Why it matters

The public spat between Araghchi and the Adelson-owned media highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the role that media outlets can play in shaping international diplomacy and perceptions. Araghchi's criticism of Israel Hayom as a 'mouthpiece' suggests he believes the outlet is serving the interests of both Israel and the U.S., rather than providing objective reporting.

The details

In his tweets, Araghchi accused Israel Hayom of pushing 'dramatic claims' about Iran in order to sway American policy ahead of Netanyahu's visit to the White House. He suggested the outlet's reporting, particularly a story alleging Iran 'deceived' former U.S. President Donald Trump, was designed to influence the upcoming talks. Araghchi also countered reports of secret Iranian executions, stating that no executions have taken place and over 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned instead.

  • Araghchi's tweets were posted just before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled White House visit.
  • The tweets came on the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

The players

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who criticized Israel Hayom and Miriam Adelson in a series of tweets.

Miriam Adelson

An Israeli-American media mogul who owns the Israel Hayom newspaper, which Araghchi accused of pushing anti-Iran narratives.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who was scheduled to visit the White House around the time of Araghchi's tweets.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who Araghchi claimed was 'deceived' by Iran, according to a report in Israel Hayom.

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What they’re saying

“Whenever Miriam Adelson's mouthpiece pushes a dramatic claim about Iran, it's worth asking who it serves. Even the US president has acknowledged where her primary loyalties lie.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (X/Twitter)

“The facts: no executions have taken place, no court process has been concluded, and more than 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (X/Twitter)

What’s next

The debate over the role of Adelson-owned media in shaping Iran policy is likely to continue as the renewed U.S.-Iran talks progress and Netanyahu's White House visit takes place.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the potential influence of partisan media outlets in international diplomacy. It underscores the importance of seeking out balanced and objective reporting to understand complex geopolitical issues.