Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the U.S. and Israel of having a "parasitic" relationship, criticizing the U.S. for spending $11 billion on missile defense for Israel and firing more interceptors than Israel has. This statement reflects Iran's growing tensions with the West, particularly the U.S. and Israel, and highlights the region's complex geopolitical dynamics.
Key points
Iran's growing tensions with the West, particularly the U.S. and Israel.: Iran's growing tensions with the West, particularly the U.S. and Israel.
The U.S. has spent $11 billion on missile defense for Israel over the past three years.: The U.S. has spent $11 billion on missile defense for Israel over the past three years.
The U.S. has fired more interceptors defending Israel than Israel has.: The U.S. has fired more interceptors defending Israel than Israel has.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
This is an entry from: Live: Houthis claim attacks on Saudi defence ministry, Aramco facilities and airports
Iran's Araghchi says US and Israel are in a 'parasitic' relationship
23 October 2026 07:36 BST
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US-Israeli ties as a "parasitic" relationship .
"The U.S. has over the past three years spent $11 BILLION in taxpayer money on missile defense for Israel. It has fired more interceptors defending Israel than Israel has," he said in a post on X.
"That is not a symbiotic relationship. It is a parasitic one."
The U.S. has over the past three years spent $11 BILLION in taxpayer money on missile defense for Israel. It has fired more interceptors defending Israel than Israel has. That is not a symbiotic relationship. It is a parasitic one. https://t.co/D7Gv1wQYTs
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 23, 2026
Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader, criticized the removal of photographs from Raihan Vadra's exhibition at Bikaner House, arguing that the move damaged India's global reputation as a freedom-loving democracy. Tharoor, who backs Vadra, believes the protest photos were not political in themselves and that the images documented events that had already received widespread public and media attention. He also claims the decision hurt India's international image and exposed Vadra's photographic work to a much wide…
Greece's parliament has approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, effective January 1, 2027, following Australia's lead. This ban aims to address concerns about the impact of social media on children's health and safety, with Greece committed to helping parents curb "endless scrolling" that deprives children of sleep, concentration, and time with friends.
South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea to clarify border location and reduce accidental clashes following a landmine explosion. Deputy Minister Kim Hong-cheol announced the proposal following a North Korean construction near the Military Demarcation Line, leading to disagreements and suspicions of mine placement. The proposal aims to prevent future incidents and improve communication between the two nations.