Iran reaffirms support of Palestinians
First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi meets Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, tells him 'Iran will not retreat one iota from its position on defending rights of Palestinian people'
Iran reaffirmed its support of the Palestinian resistance against Israel, the presidency website cited First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi as telling visiting Hamas prime minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh.
Haniyeh arrived in Tehran on Friday for a three-day visit, and is due to speak at a Saturday rally marking the 33rd anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian media reported.
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"Iran will not retreat one iota from its position on defending the rights of the Palestinian people," Rahimi was quoted as saying, adding that Tehran "will use everything at its disposal to support the oppressed Palestinians.
"Soon the Zionist regime will be punished for its plots and aggression," Rahimi said, adding: "The Palestinian issue is a red line for us."
Haniyeh (L) with Iran's vice president (Photo: EPA)
The presidency website reported that Haniyeh "congratulated Iran on the 33rd anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic revolution," and "thanked Tehran's brave stance on the Palestinian issue."
"We have witnessed the Iranian people's strong support for the oppressed Palestinian people and the resistance of the Palestinians is strong because of such support from the Islamic republic," he was quoted as saying.
Media outlets reported that Haniyeh will meet supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other senior officials.
Local media said Haniyeh would also be receiving an honorary degree from Tehran University.
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