Tehran won't act against another country, says Khamenei
Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) Divisions within Iran's political leadership, which should explain President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad's anti-Israel diatribe, have pushed the ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's Supreme Leader, to make a policy statement widely seen as important for both foreign and domestic reasons.
"Our people will not tolerate oppression and trampling on their rights, no matter who the oppressor might be," Khamenei said at a ceremony for the Eid ul-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, which coincides with the 26th anniversary of the takeover the US Embassy in Tehran. Thus, he seems to be reaffirming Iran's right to pursue its nuclear programme.
However, making an implicit reference to the controversy over Israel's destruction, Khamenei also said: "We will neither attack nor violate the rights of any country in any part of the world."
Similarly, Khamenei referred to the anniversary of the occupation of the "den of spies", i.e. the US Embassy. Taking US diplomatic personnel, he said, was a symbol of the fact that the Iranians cannot abide oppression and injustice.
"You have shown," he said, "that when you set your mind to it, you seriously pursue the objective until you reach it. Do not allow differences and political disputes of little importance over small things destroy such shining features of the Iranian people".
In his speech by the Supreme Leader appears to be reasserting his hold to power even against President Ahmadi-Nejad whose controversial statements were likely aimed at carving an independent political space.
The Supreme Leader also seems to be behind the wide coverage given by state-controlled press to statements made by former 'progressive' President Mohammed Khatami as well 'pragmatic" President Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was Ahmadi-Nejad's rival in the last presidential elections.
Khatami's reproach also seems to be designed to set the new president straight.
In the meantime, a new "student" demonstration against the Italian Embassy in Tehran was announced for November 15. It is likely the Islamic regime's response to the torch-lit rally held yesterday in Rome against Ahmadi-Nejad's anti-Israel statements.
.png)
18/06/2022 16:25
