“New intelligence from Iraq indicate that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans—putting an outgoing Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli. Be careful of a trap, @realDonaldTrump. Any fireworks will backfire badly, particularly against your same BFFs,” Zarif tweeted.

Instead of fighting Covid in US, @realDonaldTrump & cohorts waste billions to fly B52s & send armadas to OUR region

Intelligence from Iraq indicate plot to FABRICATE pretext for war.

Iran doesn't seek war but will OPENLY & DIRECTLY defend its people, security & vital interests.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 31, 2020

Tensions between the United States an Iran have been building in the run-up to the anniversary of Soleimani's killing, with two US B-52 bombers recently flying over the region.

On 3 January 2020, amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, the U.S. launched a terrorist attack on a convoy traveling near Baghdad International Airport, killing ten passengers, including Iranian major general and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Quds Forces commander Qasem Soleimani, Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces commander Abu Mahdi al- Muhandis, four senior Iranian officers and four Iraqi officers. (ILKHA)