Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign policy advisor to the Leader of Islamic Revolution, said on Thursday Iran has no intention of reining in its influence across the Middle East despite US pressure to do so.
US President Donald Trump, who claims Iran is a rising threat to regional stability in the Middle East, has pledged to work with Persian Gulf Arab states and Israel to curb what they say are Tehran’s attempts to extend its influence in the region.
“Iran’s influence in the region is inevitable and to remain a key player in the region, this influence will continue,” Velayati said, Reuters reported, citing Fars News Agency.
Iran has no intention to abandon the oppressed nations in the region, he added, noting, “Our presence in Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon is in coordination with the governments of these countries.”
“Iran is the heart of international developments... America wants to tear down the Middle East... Iran opposes it.”
He also criticized slogans such as “Let go of Palestine,” and “Leave Syria, think about us”, which were chanted during the recent protests in Iran.
“Don’t worry about what was instigated by our foreign enemies... Chants like ‘Not Gaza, not Lebanon’ show their lack of understanding of international affairs... You cannot remain indifferent when your neighbor’s house is on fire,” Velayati said.
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