---
title: "Iran FM calls Netanyahu 'serpent' for luring US into war"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-serpent-for-luring-us-into-war"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-serpent-for-luring-us-into-war"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-serpent-for-luring-us-into-war.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-serpent-for-luring-us-into-war"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-08-31T15:25:16.161Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-31T14:15:17.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-31T15:25:16.161Z"
trust_score: 30
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 65
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-31T16:30:29.194244+00:00"
---

# Iran FM calls Netanyahu 'serpent' for luring US into war

*Abbas Araghchi accused the Israeli prime minister of duplicity in statements made in Hebrew and English.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 30 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to a named body, but rests on anonymous sourcing and no documents are cited.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. The reporting includes quotes from affected parties and names specific details, but lacks context and a right of reply.
- Hype 65 of 100, lower is better. The headline promises more than the body delivers, with sensational language used to describe the core accusation.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "serpent."
- Araghchi accused Netanyahu of tricking the US into war with Iran, claiming he boasts about it in Hebrew.
- The US military warned Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that large-scale operations against Iran were stretching American forces.
- The IRGC stated a supertanker struck two sea mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manipulating the United States into war with Iran. Araghchi described Netanyahu as a "serpent" and claimed the Israeli leader "openly crows" in Hebrew about deceiving Washington into conflict on behalf of Israel. Araghchi also noted that Netanyahu speaks differently in English, where he praises the US president. The comments were made on X, formerly Twitter.

The US military has warned Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that ongoing large-scale operations against Iran are straining American forces globally, according to The Washington Post. The military has diverted ships, aircraft, and equipment from other regions, impacting its ability to conduct missions and train troops. More than 50,000 US personnel have been on alert for months.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that a supertanker navigating the Strait of Hormuz struck two sea mines and subsequently caught fire. The IRGC issued a warning that ships violating the strait's security regulations would face similar consequences and must adhere to its issued regulations for passage.

## Disputed claims

The UAE Defence Ministry has denied Iranian statements that missiles struck Al Minhad airbase, stating that reports of an attack are false. Middle East Eye reported that US forces bombed Larak Island on Sunday, killing and wounding Iranian civilians and soldiers, marking Washington's first attack on Iran since July. Channels Television reported that war broke out between Iran and the United States on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes killing Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mention the US military's warning to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth about stretching American forces worldwide due to large-scale operations against Iran. Additionally, none of the right-rated digests mention the UAE Defence Ministry's denial of Iranian statements that missiles struck Al Minhad airbase.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 16 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 19% (3)
- Centre: 12% (2)
- Right: 69% (11)

32 of 48 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-31T16:30:29.194244+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-31T16:45:36.525Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Both left-rated reports highlighted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's accusation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a "serpent" who tricked the US into war. Middle East Eye, in its full report, detailed Araghchi's claims that Netanyahu "openly crows" in Hebrew about manipulating Washington. This report also noted that US forces bombed Larak Island, killing and wounding Iranian civilians and soldiers, and that Iran's IRGC stated a supertanker struck two sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. RTHK.hk's digest also focused on Araghchi calling Netanyahu a "serpent" and accusing him of tricking Washington into war, citing Netanyahu's comments about influencing US opinion.

### Centre

- The centre-rated reports focused on Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's accusation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a "snake" who deceived the US into war. Channels Television's digest mentioned that war broke out between Iran and the US on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes killing Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. LRT.lt's digest also highlighted Araghchi calling Netanyahu a "snake" and accusing him of deceiving the US into war.

### Right

- The right-rated reports predominantly focused on Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "serpent" and accusing him of tricking the US into war. Many digests, including those from Protothema, Asharq AL-awsat, ARY News, Latestly, and Malay Mail, used this framing. Several reports, such as those from Iefimerida, Klix, and news-pravda.com, specifically mentioned Araghchi's claim that Netanyahu "openly crows" or "proudly admits" in Hebrew about deceiving the US, while speaking differently in English. Yonhap News Agency's digest referred to Netanyahu as a "viper."

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 7
- high: 7
- unknown: 33

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/world/1077914-teheran-benamin-netanahu-manipulira-donald-tramp-i-vavleche-sasht-vav-voinata-sreshtu-iran) — Tehran: Benjamin Netanyahu Manipulated Donald Trump and Dragged the US Into War Against Iran
- [TA3.com](https://ta3.com/clanok/1068983/had-ktory-oklamal-ameriku-iransky-minister-zautocil-na-netanjahua-a-tvrdi-ze-zatiahol-usa-do-vojny) — "The Snake that Deceived America." Iranian Minister Attacks Netanyahu, Claims He Dragged the US Into War
- [Aktuality.sk](https://aktuality.sk/clanok/yQ7q3C6/iransky-minister-prirovnal-izraelskeho-premiera-k-hadovi-a-obvinil-ho-z-manipulacie-ameriky) — Iranian Minister Likens Israeli PM to Snake, Accuses Him of Being Manipulated by America
- [The Frontier Post](https://thefrontierpost.com/iran-fm-accuses-israels-netanyahu-of-tricking-us-into-war) — Iran FM accuses Israel’s Netanyahu of tricking US into war
- [TUOI TRE ONLINE](https://tuoitre.vn/iran-to-thu-tuong-israel-lua-my-tham-chien-100260831201025292.htm) — Iran Accuses Israeli Prime Minister of Luring the US Into War.
- [Islamabad Post](https://islamabadpost.com.pk/iran-fm-accuses-israels-netanyahu-of-tricking-us-into-war) — Iran FM accuses Israel’s Netanyahu of tricking US into war
- [wartaekonomi.co.id](https://wartaekonomi.co.id/read631695/menlu-iran-sebut-netanyahu-ular-di-tengah-perang-iran-dan-as) — Iran's FM Calls Netanyahu a 'Snake' Amid Iran-US War
- [Channels Television](https://channelstv.com/2026/08/31/you-serpent-iran-fm-accuses-israels-netanyahu-of-tricking-us-into-war) — 'You Serpent', Iran FM Accuses Israel's Netanyahu Of Tricking US Into War
- [BoldMedya](https://boldmedya.com/2026/08/31/iran-abd-ile-savas-konusunda-israili-sucladi) — Iran Accused Israel of Instigating a War with the US.
- [Klix](https://klix.ba/vijesti/svijet/araghchi-nazvao-netanyahua-zmijom-jednu-pricu-ima-za-amerikance-a-potpuno-drugaciju-na-hebrejskom-jeziku/260831106) — Araghchi Calls Netanyahu a Snake: He Has One Story for Americans and a Completely Different One in Hebrew
- [koutipandoras.gr](https://koutipandoras.gr/article/netaniachou-perasa-40-chronia-kanontas-ekstrateia-kata-tou-iran-erpeto-ton-apokalese-o-aragtsi) — Netanyahu: "I Spent 40 Years Campaigning Against Iran in the US" - Aragchi Called Him a "Reptile" | Pandora's Box
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1871795/aragtsi-kata-netaniahou-fidi-pou-paresure-tis-ipa-se-polemo-me-to-iran) — Aragchi Against Netanyahu: "Snake" Who Dragged the US Into War with Iran
- [Hospodárske Noviny](https://hnonline.sk/svet/96299733-iransky-minister-zautocil-na-netanjahua-obvinil-ho-ze-usa-zatiahol-do-vojny) — Iranian Minister Attacks Netanyahu, Accuses Him of Dragging US Into War
- [europost.gr](https://europost.gr/to-iran-epitithetai-kata-metopo-sto-israil-o-netaniachoy-einai-ena-fidi-poy-paresyre-tis-ipa-se-enan-polemo-enantion-mas-eipe-o-iranos-ypoyrgos-exoterikon-aragtsi) — Iran Attacks Israel Head-on: "Netanyahu Is a Snake Who Dragged the US Into a War Against Us," Said Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi.
- [yenicaggazetesi.com](https://yenicaggazetesi.com/abbas-erakciden-sert-cikis-netanyahu-bir-yilan-1066982h.htm) — Abbas Araqchi Made a Strong Statement: "Netanyahu Is a snake."
- [Sub News](https://dailysubnews.com/news-309733) — Iranian Foreign Minister Accuses Netanyahu of Pushing US Into War
- [Middle East Eye](https://middleeasteye.net/news/serpent-netanyahu-suckered-washington-fighting-israels-war-iran-araghchi-says) — Araghchi blames ‘serpent’ Netanyahu for luring Washington into war on Iran
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1327411/araghtsi-ghia-netaniakhoy-fidi-poy-paresire-tis-hpa-ston-polemo) — Aragchi on Netanyahu: "A Snake that Dragged the US Into War"
- [Unknown](https://neakriti.gr/kosmos/2197366_nea-epithesi-aragtsi-ston-netaniahoy-heiragogise-tin-ameriki-gia-na-xekinisei-polemo) — Araghchi's New Attack on Netanyahu: "He Manipulated America to Start a War with Iran"
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3043920/irao-teerao-acusa-pm-istaelita-de-ter-manipulado-estados-unidos) — Tehran Accuses Netanyahu of Manipulating the United States
- [npress.gr](https://npress.gr/world/sfodri-epithesi-aragtsi-kata-netaniachou-katigories-oti-paresyre-tis-ipa-se-polemo-me-to-iran) — Iran - Araghchi: Attack on Netanyahu for Dragging the US Into War
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/eidiseis/422817/aragtsi-o-netaniahoy-perifaneyetai-pos-heiragogise-tis-ipa-na-kiryxoyn-polemo-sto) — Araghchi: "Netanyahu Is Proud that He Manipulated the US Into Declaring War on Iran"
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2155246/aragtsi-fidi-o-netaniachoy-paresyre-ton-tramp-ston-polemo) — Aragchi: Netanyahu Is a "Snake", He Dragged Trump Into War
- [Asharq AL-awsat](https://english.aawsat.com/world/5312970-iran-fm-accuses-%E2%80%98serpent%E2%80%99-netanyahu-tricking-us-war) — Iran FM Accuses ‘Serpent’ Netanyahu of Tricking US into War
- [Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija](https://lrt.lt/naujienos/pasaulyje/6/3038203/irano-urm-vadovas-kaltina-izraelio-premjera-apgaule-iviliojus-jav-i-kara) — Iran's Foreign Minister Accuses Israeli Prime Minister of Deception in US War
- [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/08/31/to-iran-katigorei-ton-netaniachoy-oti-cheiragogise-tis-ipa-oste-na-kiryxoyn-polemo-enantion-toy) — Araghchi on Netanyahu: He Manipulated the US Into Declaring War on Iran
- [express.pk](https://express.pk/story/2830140/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-a-serpent-accuses-him-of-tricking-us-into-war-2830140) — Iranian Foreign Minister Accuses Netanyahu of Pushing US Into War, Calls Him a “Snake”
- [rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1868267-20260831.htm) — Netanyahu called a 'serpent for luring Trump into war'
- [enikos.gr](https://enikos.gr/international/iran-to-fidi-o-netaniachou-pagidefse-ton-trab-ston-polemo-oi-ipa-tha-paroun-ena-sovaro-mathima-gia-ta-pligmata/2636447) — Iran: Netanyahu Is the "Snake" Who "Trapped" Trump Into War - The US Will "Learn a Serious Lesson" for the Strikes
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/o-aragtsi-apokalei-ton-netaniahoy-fidi) — Araghchi Calls Netanyahu a "Snake" and Accuses Him of Dragging the US Into War with Iran - iefimerida.gr
- [Unknown](https://alquds.co.uk/%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AC%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%B5%D9%81-%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%88-%D8%A8%D9%80%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%81%D8%B9%D9%89-%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85%D9%87-%D8%A8) — Araghchi Describes Netanyahu as a "Snake" and Accuses Him of Boasting About Dragging Washington Into a War Against Iran.
- [Cryptocurrency News | Cryptocurrency Prices | Market Cap](https://cryptocurrency.com.tr/iran-accuses-netanyahu-of-pushing-us-deeper-into-2026-conflict-359901) — Iran accuses Netanyahu of pushing US deeper into 2026 conflict
- [Crypto Briefing](https://cryptobriefing.com/iran-accuses-netanyahu-of-pushing-us-deeper-into-2026-conflict) — Iran accuses Netanyahu of pushing US deeper into 2026 conflict
- [Arti Gerçek](https://artigercek.com/dunya/arakci-netanyahu-trumpi-savas-icin-kandiran-bir-yilandir-349996h) — Arakchi: Netanyahu Is a Snake Who Tricked Trump Into Going to War.
- [ARY News](https://arynews.tv/iran-fm-israels-netanyahu-tricked-us-war) — Iran FM says Israel's Netanyahu tricked US into war
- [La Tercera](https://latercera.com/mundo/noticia/iran-tilda-de-serpiente-a-netanyahu-y-apunta-a-una-duplicidad-en-sus-mensajes-en-hebreo-e-ingles-sobre-estados-unidos) — Iran Calls Netanyahu a “Snake” and Points to a Duplicity in Its Hebrew and English Messages About the United States
- [Latestly](https://latestly.com/world/abbas-araghchi-calls-benjamin-netanyahu-serpent-accuses-him-of-tricking-donald-trump-into-iran-war-7583628.html) — Abbas Araghchi Calls Benjamin Netanyahu ‘Serpent’, Accuses Him of Tricking Donald Trump Into Iran War | 🌎 LatestLY
- [newscentraltv.com](https://newscentraltv.com/iran-claims-netanyahu-manipulated-us-into-war) — Iran Claims Netanyahu Manipulated US Into War
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260831168300079) — Iranian Foreign Minister: "'Viper' Netanyahu Deceived U.S. Into War"
- [thairath.co.th](https://thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2956519) — Iranian Foreign Minister Condemned Netanyahu as a "Snake" Who Used the United States to Wage War in Place of Israel.
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/550072/aragtsi-gia-netaniaxou-fidi-pou-paresyre-tis-ipa-ston-polemo) — Aragchi on Netanyahu: "A Snake that Dragged the US Into War"
- [AlKhaleej Today](https://alkhaleejtoday.co/international/5864512/Iran-FM-accuses-%E2%80%98serpent%E2%80%99-Netanyahu-of-tricking-US-into-war.html) — Iran FM accuses ‘serpent’ Netanyahu of tricking US into war
- [Tr724](https://tr724.com/abbas-arakci-abdyi-iranla-savasa-netanyahu-surukledi) — Abbas Arakchi: "Netanyahu Dragged the US Into a War with Iran."
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/08/31/iran-s-araghchi-accuses-serpent-netanyahu-of-tricking-us-into-war) — Iran’s Araghchi accuses ‘serpent’ Netanyahu of tricking US into war
- [Malay Mail](https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/08/31/iran-fm-accuses-serpent-netanyahu-of-tricking-us-into-war/233411) — Iran FM accuses ‘serpent’ Netanyahu of tricking US into war
- [JDN - חדשות](https://jdn.co.il/news/2719962) — Iranian Foreign Minister Twists Netanyahu's Words in Attempt to Cause Conflict with Trump
- [defapress.ir](https://defapress.ir/fa/news/859023/%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%DA%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%81%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A8%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%88) — Araqchi's Account of Netanyahu's Deception
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/08/31/2553955.html) — JUST IN: Iranian FM Araghchi says "Netanyahu proudly admits that he deceived the US government" when talking to Israelis

## Questions

**What did Iran's Foreign Minister say about Benjamin Netanyahu?**

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "serpent." He accused Netanyahu of tricking the United States into going to war with Iran and claimed Netanyahu boasts about this manipulation in Hebrew while speaking differently in English.

**What did the US military warn about operations against Iran?**

The US military warned Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that large-scale operations against Iran were stretching American forces worldwide. This has led to the diversion of ships, aircraft, and equipment from other regions, weakening the military's ability to conduct missions and train troops.

**What happened in the Strait of Hormuz?**

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that a supertanker using the Strait of Hormuz struck two sea mines and caught fire. The IRGC issued a warning to ships violating security regulations in the strait.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-serpent-for-luring-us-into-war. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Iran FM calls Netanyahu 'serpent' for luring US into war", https://mediabias.news/conflict/iran-fm-calls-netanyahu-serpent-for-luring-us-into-war