Zarif Says People behind Iran’s Regional Power
TEHRAN (Basirat) : Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighted the country’s major influence and power in the Middle East region and said what has made the Islamic Republic powerful is only its people.
"Iran is a powerful and influential country, and we have always been influential
geographically and historically and will remain so…,” Zarif said, addressing a
political gathering on Friday.
He further pointed to power elements of regional countries, such as their
defense budgets and military weapons and said despite the fact that Iran’s
defense budget is low compared to its neighboring countries, the Islamic
Republish is a regional power.
"Therefore, what has made us powerful in the region is the (Iranian) people,”
the foreign minister noted.
Zarif also referred to US Senator Lindsey Graham’s recent remarks that Saudi
Arabia’s military cannot confront Iran, saying, "I’m proud that the Islamic
Republic has such a power.”
South Carolina Republican Sen. Graham told Fox News on Sunday that Saudi
Arabia's military "can't fight out of a paper bag" when confronted with Mideast
challenges including Iran.
"If it weren't for the United States they’d be speaking Farsi in about a week in
Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Source: Tasnim
