Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, stated in a phone conversation with his French counterpart Francois Hollande on Tuesday, November 17, that "the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for security and intelligence cooperation with France in the fight against terrorism." According to IRNA news agency, Rouhani mentioned that "terrorists have attacked not only the French nation but humanity itself" and added, "We declare that we are ready to take any action against terrorists anywhere in the world." Rouhani also informed Hollande that "17,000 people" have been killed in Iran by "terrorists". The Iranian President emphasized that "the Islamic Republic of Iran calls for the establishment of a united front to combat terrorism globally," stating that "the elimination of terrorists in Syria and Iraq should be the top priority, and we must consult and cooperate in this area." Rouhani's request to prioritize the "elimination of terrorists in Syria and Iraq" comes amid disagreements among negotiating parties in international meetings regarding the Syrian crisis, held in Vienna, where both Iran and France are participants, over which groups are considered "terrorist" in Syria. The Presidents of Iran and France symbolically spoke on the phone at the exact time they were supposed to meet in Paris on Tuesday. Rouhani's trip to Italy and France, which was scheduled to begin last Saturday, was canceled due to the Paris attacks. Paris witnessed six suicide attacks and shootings last Friday night, resulting in the deaths of 129 people so far. The condition of dozens of injured remains critical, and there is a possibility of an increase in casualties; the Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for these attacks. In his phone call on Tuesday, Rouhani again expressed condolences to his French counterpart regarding the victims of these attacks, describing them as "very shocking, brutal, and despicable." According to IRNA, Hollande also deemed it necessary to "eliminate the financial and military resources of ISIS" during this phone call and stated, "I am working to unite all countries for a military fight against ISIS." Hollande emphasized that his country is ready to expand relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran "in all areas" and expressed hope that Rouhani's visit would take place as soon as possible.
Rouhani to Hollande: We are ready to act against terrorists anywhere in the world
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed Iran's readiness to cooperate with France in combating terrorism during a phone call with French President Francois Hollande. Rouhani highlighted the global threat of terrorism and the need for a united front, particularly in Syria and Iraq, following recent attacks in Paris claimed by ISIS. This dialogue underscores the complex international dynamics surrounding terrorism and Iran's role in regional security.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani offered to cooperate with France in combating terrorism during a phone call with French President Francois Hollande. This conversation followed the deadly Paris attacks, highlighting the urgency for a united front against terrorism.
- Rouhani emphasized the need for security and intelligence cooperation against terrorism.
- The phone call coincided with Rouhani's canceled visit to France due to the Paris attacks.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has long faced threats from various terrorist groups, claiming thousands of lives. The recent Paris attacks have intensified global discussions on terrorism and security cooperation.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%