President Rouhani Terms US Bombing of ISIL Theatrical Move

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani underscored that the US airstrikes on the headquarters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group in Iraq and Syria is a theatrical move.

News ID: 60220

Date: 01 October 2014 - 10:00

"Terrorism is a danger threatening the whole world and everyone should extend help in this regard," Rouhani said in an interview with Russia's channel 2 TV on Monday.

"Of course, airstrike is a symbolic and theatrical move while fighting the terrorist groups needs cultural work and practical measures, including preventing their financial and arms supports," he added.

Rouhani referred to Iran's role and efforts in fighting terrorism, and said, "Today, some of those who speak of the coalition (against the ISIL) have helped the group financially and by sending weapons in the past few years but Iran has been fighting against the terrorist group since three years ago at the request of the Syrian and Iraqi governments."

After the US-led coalition against the ISIL declared its creation, Iran lashed out at the western states for pursuing a double-standard policy towards campaign against terrorism in various countries.

On Monday, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri questioned the US-led anti-ISIL coalition, and said Washington was still providing the terrorist group with different supports.

"Based on the intelligence, news and analyses we have, the foreign spy agencies, headed by the US, created, managed and supported the ISIL and regional terrorists logistically," Jazayeri said, addressing Basij (volunteer) forces in Tehran.

"Such cooperation still continues and the Americans seek to fool the public opinion under the pretext of confrontation with the terrorist group," he added.

Jazayeri said that the US has now changed its tactic by forming the so-called anti-ISIL coalition and is attempting to deploy in the region again.

Source: Farsnews