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Larijani: Self-confident
Photo: AP

Top Iranian official: Enemy incapable of attacking us

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani says US threats to attack Iranian nuclear facilities are merely ‘psychological warfare’. But, in case of attack, ‘Iran's armed forces are ready to answer to any aggressions‘

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani said Friday that, "Iran's enemies do not have the ability to attack its nuclear installations," according to the Iranian IRNA news agency.

 

Larijani defined Western reports of plans drawn up to attack Iran as "psychological warfare," adding that "Iran's armed forces are ready to answer to any attack."

 

Larijani made the comments during a press conference following his visit to the Iranian city of Qom, where he met with senior religious leaders. The aim of his visit, he said, was to deliver a report on the developments in the surrounding area, and on the United States’ plans regarding Iran.

 

He addressed the reports of a possible American attack on Iran’s nuclear installations: “These reports are false. This is not the first time such claims are published. We are in the midst of a public relations war."

 

Despite the indifference he attempted to demonstrate in his comments, he noted that Iran’s armed forces were briefed for any possible development. “The likelihood of an attack on Iran is very small, and the reports published on the matter are meant only to apply pressure to Iran.”

 

Regarding the UN Security Council’s decision to sanction Iran, Larijani said: “We must reach our central aim somehow. We welcome any move made to solve the issue through dialogue, and we will respond to any sensible and balanced opportunity that should arise.”

 

Larijani also commented on US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to the region. “Iran believes that if the people of the Middle East command their own fate, many problems will be solved. Ms. Rice preaches democracy in their new Mideast plan – but no one opposes democracy, they themselves are the ones opposed, and the US’ biased attentions in the area are what are causing problems,” he said.

 

Regarding the Palestinian issue, he demanded of the Americans: “If the new plan’s true aim is to democratize the area, why do you oppose the Hamas government?”

 

He further responded to a report on Iran’s intentions to build a missile to launch a satellite into space. “This is important technology which is in the hands of the world’s superpowers, and we are working on it as well,” he said.

 

Last month it was reported that Iran was planning to launch a satellite of its own manufacture into space on the back of a rocket. In 2005 Iran was aided by Russia in launching a similar satellite, but this time, according to Tehran’s claims, its aspires to complete the mission independently, to continue to "prove to the world" that Iran is a powerful and technologically capable nation.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.20.07, 00:38
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