Iran: Israeli government sees its death in ballot boxes

Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 31

By Umid Niayesh - Trend:

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said that Israel is established on terror and intimidation grounds, and sees its death in ballot boxes.

"Israel is afraid of people's vote and will, similar to terrorists," Rouhani said, Iran's state IRINN TV reported Aug. 31.

Israel refuses to hold a referendum in "occupied territories", including Palestinians and Jewish residents about the future and the government system of the country, Rouhani said.

He further said that all terrorists has closed doors to peace and negotiation. Rouhani further said that the Islamic Republic is the victim of terror.

He also referred to the increasing trend of terrorism in the region, saying terrorism problem will not be resolved if there is no global determination. Iran's president also accused some countries of fighting with terrorism only verbally, without unveiling any specific countries.

Iran cut off all official relations with Israel following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials in various occasions have expressed anti-Israeli statements. The statements grew more harsh in particular during former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as he said Israel should be "wiped off the world map."

Following the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers there were some speculations that the Islamic Republic's stance towards Israel is changed.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency quoted British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond as saying "Iran's position with Israel has changed a little" and that "Iran is no longer a threat to Israel" which caused a controversy inside the country.