ISTANBUL

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's “open disdain for Jesus Christ (PBUH) is remarkable."

"For a man so reliant on goodwill of Christians in the United States, Netanyahu's open disdain for Jesus Christ (PBUH) is remarkable," Araghchi wrote on the US social media company X, posting a video featuring remarks by Netanyahu.

The Israeli premier's "unbridled praise" for Genghis Khan, "the worst slaughterer our region has ever seen, also fits with his current status as a wanted war criminal," Araghchi said.

During a televised address on Thursday evening, Netanyahu said: "Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good. Aggression will overcome moderation."

Hostilities in the region have escalated since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing more than 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

⁠Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while also disrupting global markets and aviation.