Iran Reiterates Opposition to U.S. Attack on Iraq - 2002-09-22

Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's Foreign Minister, reiterated his country's opposition to a U.S. attack on Iraq. In an interview with the Washington Post, Kharrazi stated that all neighboring countries of Iraq, including Iran, believe that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction should be eliminated, and he agrees with the interviewer that President Saddam Hussein cannot be trusted. Kharrazi expressed satisfaction that the situation is now under the supervision of the United Nations. When asked whether Iran would support the U.S. if Saddam Hussein did not comply with UN resolutions, he again reiterated his country's opposition to any unilateral military action to overthrow the Iraqi regime, but noted that if the UN Security Council endorses the use of force against Iraq, the situation would be different. Kharrazi also mentioned that relations between Iran and the U.S., which had somewhat improved during President Clinton's administration, have worsened under President Bush. The Iranian Foreign Minister defended his country's support for Hezbollah fighters, stating that they have been fighting against Israeli occupation. Kharrazi also asserted that contrary to U.S. claims, Iran's nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.