Iran to support Syria against any Israeli aggressions

Iranian ambassador in Damascus Muhammad Akhtari has stressed that Iran will not stand still should Syria be exposed to any Israeli aggression. He noted that such an Iranian stance is based on Iran's unswerving strategy in "challenging Zionism."

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am issued today, Akhtari denied that Iran's attitude towards peace has been changed in favor of the peace process since President Muhammad Khatami assumed the office of the president in Iran. He ruled out an Israeli attack against the Iranian nuclear reactor, because it is not a military reactor. "Besides Iran is able to retaliate, if Israel would carry out such an act," he said.

Akhtari added that Syria's efforts to improve relations between Tehran and Cairo continue, noting "close follow-up by the sides concerned to reach positive results." He said he expected relations between Iran and Egypt to attain good results.