Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday condemned U.S. pressure on Tehran as "baseless," accusing Washington of seeking to sabotage the Islamic Republic’s relations with neighboring countries.

In a phone call with Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, Araghchi criticized U.S. officials for making "unfounded accusations" to justify sanctions, warning regional allies to be wary of American "sedition and division."

"The U.S. aims only to destroy friendly relations between regional countries in service of the Zionist regime’s sinister goals," Araghchi said, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump, upon returning to office in February, reinstated his "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, citing concerns over its nuclear program. Trump has expressed willingness to negotiate a new deal, but Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed talks as "unwise."

U.S. Tightens Sanctions, Iraq Caught in Crossfire

A key point of contention is the expiration of a 120-day waiver—issued by former President Joe Biden—that allowed Iraq to import Iranian gas without facing U.S. sanctions. Trump refused to renew the waiver as part of his pressure campaign, straining Iraq’s energy-dependent economy.

Araghchi also warned against the U.S. "misusing" regional bases and airspace for aggressive actions, urging neighboring states to protect their sovereignty and resist foreign interference.

U.S. Strikes in Yemen Draw Iran’s Ire

On Wednesday, the U.S. claimed its ongoing strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels were "yielding results" and asserted that Tehran had "taken notice." Trump reiterated demands for Iran to cease support for the Houthis, whom Tehran backs.

Earlier this month, Trump revealed he had sent a letter to Khamenei, signaling openness to nuclear talks while warning of "devastating" military consequences if diplomacy fails. "If we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing for them," Trump told Fox Business.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Hussein was briefed on Trump’s message and stated that Iran "will respond." However, Khamenei has already dismissed the letter as "deceptive," arguing that U.S. demands would only "tighten sanctions and increase pressure."

Regional Fallout Continues

With the U.S. and Iran locked in a standoff, regional stability hangs in the balance. Iraq, caught between its ties to both nations, faces mounting economic and political strain. Meanwhile, Yemen’s conflict risks further escalation as Washington and Tehran trade barbs over the Houthi insurgency.

As Trump’s pressure campaign intensifies, Iran remains defiant, leaving little room for de-escalation in the near term.