Iranian President Slams Netanyahu Over Call for Iranians to Protest Government
Responding in a post on X, Pezeshkian lashed out at the Israeli leader: “The regime that deprived the people of Gaza of water and food wants to bring water to the people of Iran? What a mirage!”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for Iranians to rise up against their government over ongoing power and water shortages, according to AFP.
Netanyahu’s video message, released Tuesday, came as Iran continues to face persistent electricity and water crises amid scorching summer heat. His appeal also followed a 12-day war between the two arch-foes in June, triggered by Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.
In the video, Netanyahu urged Iranians to “take risks for freedom,” “take to the streets,” and demand accountability from their leaders. He further suggested sending Israeli water experts to Tehran to share “cutting-edge technology and know-how.”
Responding in a post on X, Pezeshkian lashed out at the Israeli leader: “The regime that deprived the people of Gaza of water and food wants to bring water to the people of Iran? What a mirage!”
A regime that deprives #Gaza of water and food now says it will bring water to Iran?
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) August 13, 2025
A MIRAGE, NOTHING MORE. https://t.co/1Mqvg71FrB
Relations between Israel and Iran have been deeply hostile for decades, with both governments viewing each other as existential threats. While Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and supporting armed groups across the Middle East, Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and condemns Israeli policies toward Palestinians.
Public exchanges of sharp rhetoric, including video messages by Netanyahu aimed at the Iranian population, have become a recurring feature of this rivalry.
