Iran strongly protests attack on embassy in Azerbaijan

The Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan has voiced the Islamic Republic’s strong protest over an attack on Iran’s embassy in Baku, saying Tehran will seriously pursue the case until a result is achieved.

Abbas Mousavi said on Friday that following the attack on the embassy the previous night and Iran’s protest through official channels, Azerbaijan’s diplomatic police and Interior Ministry have “identified, arrested and interrogated four” people in connection with the issue.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian ambassador vehemently rejected allegations leveled by his Israeli counterpart against the Islamic Republic, saying the Tel Aviv regime would never be able to achieve its dreams for the West Asia region.

“The dreams of Zionism for this region will never be interpreted,” Mousavi said in a post on his Twitter account.

His tweet came after Israel’s Ambassador to Baku George Deek claimed that Iran oppresses its religious and ethnic minorities and targets Jews in other countries, and said Israel, the United States and Azerbaijan “invest in our diversity and tolerance.”

In response to Deek’s allegations, Mousavi said Iran regards all Jews, Christians and other followers of the divine religions with “special respect” but “we are sure that the Republic of Azerbaijan and Palestine will remain Islamic countries forever.”

Iran will not tolerate foreign, Zionist elements along its borders: Army Ground Force commander

Meanwhile, Commander of the northwestern headquarters of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces Brigadier General Ali Hajilou said on Friday that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate the presence of foreign and Zionist elements along its common borders with neighboring states.

“Friendly countries should know that there is no difference of opinion among Muslim countries and regional nations and it is the usurping Zionist regime that seeks to sow discord,” Hajilou told reporters on the sidelines of a massive military drill, codenamed Fatehan-e Khaybar (Conquerors of Khaybar).

He added that Iran has never carried out an act of aggression over the past two centuries but has always defended its rights and interests decisively. The commander emphasized that the Islamic Republic would not accept any geographical change in common borders with regional states.

“Today is the time for peace, security and the reconstruction of the liberated areas, as well as the expulsion of the Zionist regime from the region. The sinister Zionist regime seeks to sow discord in the region… and we, the Muslim countries of the region, will have a region full of peace and stability through [our] awareness and togetherness.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday that Tehran will not tolerate Israel’s presence near the country’s borders and will take due measures against the regime’s activities.

Iran not to tolerate Israel’s presence near its borders, will take necessary measures: FM

Iran

Stressing that countries had the right to hold military exercises within their territories in line with safeguarding their national sovereignty, the Iranian foreign minister said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran does not tolerate the presence and activities of the Zionist regime against its national security and will take any necessary action in this regard.”

‘Crushing’ response awaits enemies in case of irrational move: Iran’s defense minister

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said on Friday that the Islamic Republic will definitely give a “crushing” response to enemies if they carry out any “irrational” move.

“Enemies of the Iranian nation will certainly receive a crushing response in case of any irrational and ignorant action and will incur a heavy cost,” Ashtiani tweeted.

Iran recently held military drills in the country’s northwestern border area, which was criticized by Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliev said he was “very surprised” by Iran’s decision to hold drills close to his country’s borders, and questioned the timing of the maneuvers. Aliev had also accused Iran of sending over trucks to “illegally” cross into the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is a matter of dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Iran’s Armed Forces regularly hold military maneuvers to elevate their preparedness and military prowess. The drills serve as a warning message to the enemies against any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic. Tehran has been suspicious of Azerbaijan’s links to the Israeli regime, whose supply of drones and other weapons helped Baku gain the upper hand in the war with Armenia last year.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk