Iran dismissed the idea that it would establish diplomatic ties with Israel, describing the idea on Saturday as “wishful thinking.”

The statement came nearly two weeks after US President Donald Trump suggested that the Islamic Republic could normalize relations with Israel after decades of calling for its elimination.

“The Abraham Accords are amazing,” Trump said at a White House press conference last month with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to the normalization agreements he brokered in 2020 between Israel and four Arab countries.

Shortly afterward, he added, “Maybe even Iran can get in there. We hope we’re going to be able to get along with Iran. I think they’re going to be open to it. I really believe that. But they could be a member.”

Trump made the comments while announcing a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which took effect on Friday. Iran has praised the agreement. But its foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said on Saturday that Iran would not recognize Israel.

“Iran will never recognize an occupied regime that has committed genocide and killed........

© The Times of Israel