President Rouhani made the remarks during a provincial visit to Sistan and Baluchestan, the southeast of the country, on Saturday, adding “the sinister plot designed by the US and Israeli regime that was targeting our region has been thwarted.”
“They had not planned for terrorism and ISIL to be eliminated within a few years,” the president continued. “They had designed a plot for the whole Middle East, planning to spread terrorism from Iraq and Syria to all across Asia, to destroy the Islamic civilization, tarnish the image of Islam, strengthen Israel, and cement their influence in the region.”
Rouhani went on to add, “the vigilant people of the region, however, managed to thwart their plot.”
President Rouhani further stressed that the reason for the failure of terrorists in gaining a footing in Iran was the unity and strong faith among the Iranian people.
Elsewhere, Rouhani highlighted the significance of peace and security in region, adding “we wish for the prosperity of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, and all our neighbors together. We have made a promise to neighboring countries that we will remain resolute in preserving and improving friendly ties.”
“If some of the regional countries have distanced themselves from us, it is their own fault and mistake. We have never wanted distance,” he stressed.
Rouhani went on to add, “we do not wish for our relations with Islamic countries to be anything other than friendly. We wish for no distance between Iran and neighbors or the Arab world.”
“It is not within our control or responsibility if certain countries still remain an oligarchy, or have backed ISIL for years to spread its influence in the region,” President concluded, while hinting at the reasons behind the strained ties between Iran and some regional countries, such as Saudi Arabia.
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