TEHRAN, 9 October 2005 — Iran’s foreign minister denied claims by US President George W. Bush that the Persian state is sheltering Islamic radicals, saying yesterday that his country is committed to regional stability and security. Manouchehr Mottaki’s comments, reported by state-run TV, were aired after Bush reiterated accusations Thursday that Iran and its ally Syria were harboring extremists wanting to undermine US efforts in Iraq.
“Iran, as a responsible and committed member of the international community, has had constructive and positive participation and activity in improving regional stability and security,” Mottaki was quoted as saying. Mottaki said Washington “should learn from its loss of credibility in international public opinion on Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction and avoid intervening in domestic affairs of other countries.”
On Thursday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in London that explosive devices that have killed US-led troops were similar to those used by the Iranian-linked militant group Hezbollah. Iran has denied the charges. Iran and the United States have been at odds over numerous issues, including the instability in Iraq and Iran’s contentious nuclear program, which Washington claims is designed to build atomic weapons. Tehran denies this, saying it is peaceful and aimed at generating electricity.
A senior Iranian cleric said on Friday Iran was strong enough to withstand possible sanctions over its nuclear ambitions, as thousands rallied in support of the country’s right to a peaceful atomic program. Officials declined to comment on the award on Friday of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Atomic Energy Agency and its head Mohamed El-Baradei.
But a source close to the government said awarding the prize to the body that had been investigating Iran’s nuclear program for three years was a “political move directed at Iran.” The head of the powerful Guardian Council constitutional watchdog, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, said during prayers at Tehran University that Iran would not cave in to Western pressure over its nuclear ambitions.
“We can stand firm and insist on our rights until we obtain them,” Jannati said during the sermon broadcast live on state radio. “We are not as weak as they (the European Union and United States) think we are.” Iran insists its nuclear program is purely for electricity generation, not bomb making. But Washington and the EU want it sent to the Security Council, where it could face sanctions, for failing to disclose the full extent of its atomic activities in the past.
“Sanctions impose hardship and struggle on us, but at the end of the day, they will benefit us even more than they harm,” Jannati said. “We have never lost anything because of sanctions.” More than 1,000 people gathered in a central Tehran square after Friday prayers and chanted: “Nuclear energy is our right” and “Death to America, Death to Israel.”
They carried placards which proclaimed: “Iran will never accept bullying” and “We are ready to sacrifice our lives if the Supreme Leader orders.” Similar state-sponsored rallies were held in cities across the country, state media reported. Iranian officials contacted by Reuters declined to comment on the Nobel prize award.
The IAEA has been investigating Iran’s nuclear program for almost three years, and last month its board of governors passed a critical resolution which could see Tehran’s case referred to the Security Council for punitive action.
Mottaki reiterated that Iran would curtail its implementation of voluntary confidence-building measures, such as permitting snap inspections of its nuclear plants, if its case was sent to the Security Council at the IAEA’s next board meeting in November. “We hope that the political resolution ratified by the board of governors of the IAEA gets corrected in the next meeting of the board of governors,” he told state television “Iran cannot accept any commitments beyond the law.”
