Iranian hardline newspaper calls for retaliation against Biden

A hardline newspaper in Tehran has raised the issue of President Joe Biden becoming a “legitimate” target after he leaves office, due to the US role in the Israeli plot to assassinate “leaders of the resistance.”

The ultra-hardline Farhikhtegan newspaper wrote on Monday: "The Biden administration has played a central role in both the security planning of resistance leaders' assassinations and in arming the Zionists." It then posed the question: "Will he, too, become a legitimate target for the resistance after his term ends?"

The newspaper also depicted Biden in a caricature wearing diapers, either mocking him for his age or suggesting fear.

On Sunday, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the US. "The United States is a partner in this crime and can in no way distance itself from this reality. The blood of the martyrs in this incident will not go unanswered, and we will certainly stand by Lebanon."

Farhikhtegan, representing the views of the Paydari party, which opposes any nuclear agreement and normalization with the West, argued that Americans typically pay their bills throughout their lives, but in the Middle East, they are escaping the cost of their pro-Israel policies. It claimed that since January, when large-scale attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria ceased, Washington has avoided consequences for its actions.

"If Washington is truly concerned about unintended harm to its military personnel in the region due to Tel Aviv's rogue actions, greater control over the Zionists' misuse of American weapons would effectively rein in the regime. However, US officials have not only failed to act but have also supported the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General in Lebanon," Farhikhtegan wrote.

Also on Monday, the hardline Kayhan newspaper, backed by the Supreme Leader’s office, called for using “surprise weapons” against Israel. Kayhan wrote: "The brutal attack by the Zionist regime on the Hezbollah leadership meeting, and the audacity of this regime in martyring Nasrallah, have doubled the necessity for a firm, heavy, and strong response to its madness and aggression."

The newspaper suggested targeting military supplies headed to Israel on the high seas or launching stronger attacks against Israeli air bases to cripple its primary weapon, the air force. In conclusion, Kayhan emphasized that "Netanyahu must know that Iran and the Axis of Resistance are prepared for any scenario," adding: "In this game of courage, we will not step aside. Perhaps it is time to use weapons that will certainly surprise Israel."