Iranians: Israel remarks used to up atomic pressure

Iranians accused western countries Sunday of exploiting their president's bellicose remarks about Israel to turn up the heat on Tehran over its disputed atomic program.

"Our respected president has not said anything new or unprecedented about Israel to justify such a huge political tumult," wrote Hossein Shariatmadari, who was appointed to his post as editor of the Kayhan daily by Iran's Supreme Leader.

"Iran's nuclear case ... could be a reason for the recent clamour," he said. (Reuters)