Ayatollah Kashani: Iran will give strong response to likely invasions

Tehran, 2008 July 11, IRNA
 
Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani said Friday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a threat but will give a regretful response to possible invasions.

"... So, Iran is not a threat. That's what regional and even western states have said. They say Iran is ready for talks. Don't raise hue and cry against Iran. Oh! the world's liars! Oh the liar Israel! Oh the liar White House! If you wish to attack Iran, we will give you a response that will make you regretful," said Ayatollah Kashani in his second Friday prayers sermon.

Ayatollah Kashani defended legal nature of Iran's missile test over the past few days.

"All know that it is a legal exercise and carried out within borders and territories of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Many in the world have condemned claims that the wargame is illegal."

"As to the claims that the wargame is a threat, it should be said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has gained part of its power and is in stage of obtaining some other part of its power in terms of litary technique, industry and knowledge. You (enemies) should admit the Islamic Republic of Iran's power."

He said Iran is powerful as other states, including westerners, have come to acknowledge to that.

"The world has come to admit the power but enemies do not do that. This means that they (enemies) do admit it implicitly, while explicitly raising hues and cries against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"Iran's conduct is clear over the past 30 years. To where it has been a threat? You were yourselves a threat and translated your threat into action too. What did you do with Iran?

"You pit the dirty natured and misfortune Saddam against Iran. You committed crimes in Afghanistan and Iran and continue committing crimes in different countries too. You want to commit whatever crime you can in Iran.

"That's your history and identity. Iran's identity is transparent, clean and clear."

He said Iran does not recognize Israel but does not wish to initiate any war on it.

"Iran does not officially recognize Israel as a legal country because it is a usurper and has usurped a country... but we do not wish to go into war with Israel now. Iran does not plan to launch its missiles on Tel Aviv. It however will take action if you pound us and make an invasion," he announced.

Elsewhere in his sermon, Ayatollah Kashani said Iran is ready to talk over its nuclear issue.

"Iran and Europe are ready for talks now. Iran accepts the NPT overall. Peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program is fully clear."