Iran rejects U.S. charges of supporting terrorism
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 5 June 2016 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran rejects U.S. charges of supporting terrorism, 5 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576901a929.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 05, 2016
Iran has rejected accusations by the United States that it is a sponsor of terrorism, saying it only supports "the legitimate struggle of nations that are occupied."
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari made the comments on June 5, shortly after the U.S. State Department issued its annual report naming Iran as the world's major state sponsor of terrorism.
The U.S. report said Tehran is fueling conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Bahrain.
Ansari said, on the contrary, that the U.S. military has supported terrorist groups in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and Yemen. He also said that Washington "turns a blind eye to the broad political and financial support [of terrorism] by Saudi Arabia and its other allies."
He also criticized U.S. support for Israel and defended Tehran's support for Palestinian groups, saying they have the right to resist Israeli occupation.
Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website