Iran Slams State Department Report: US is the Main Instigator in Supporting Terrorism

Woman with Palestinian flag sitting outside the former US embassy in Tehran (Reuters)
Woman with Palestinian flag sitting outside the former US embassy in Tehran (Reuters)
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Iran Slams State Department Report: US is the Main Instigator in Supporting Terrorism

Woman with Palestinian flag sitting outside the former US embassy in Tehran (Reuters)
Woman with Palestinian flag sitting outside the former US embassy in Tehran (Reuters)

Iran responded to the US State Department's annual report on terrorism, accusing Washington of using terrorism as a tool against others, and demanded that it prosecute those involved in the assassination of al-Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani strongly criticized the annual report by the State Department on global terrorism, labeling it as "biased and politically motivated."

Kanaani argued that the report, aimed at portraying certain countries as threats to the US, lacks "international credibility" and fails to represent nations' "genuine efforts to combat terrorism accurately."

The Iranian News Agency (IRNA) quoted Kanaani as saying that after 20 years of publishing such unilateral and targeted reports, the international community and public opinion are in a better position to understand and judge the US administration and its actions and double standards in dealing with terrorism.

He underlined the importance of not distorting the true nature of the legitimate actions undertaken by regional resistance movements, which have garnered international recognition for their steadfast efforts against the occupation of lands by foreigners.

The US is the main instigator in organizing, training, equipping, and directing terrorists, particularly from groups like ISIS, he stressed, highlighting the extensive support that Washington provides to Israel, a recognized sponsor of terrorism, including giving various bombs and lethal weapons.

Furthermore, Kanaani pointed out that the US consistently hampers UN Security Council resolutions calling for a halt to Gaza bombings, making this country complicit in the deaths of over 15,000 civilians, including women and children, in the Strip.

He indicated that the US administration is aware of the involvement of some of its former officials in the assassination of Soleimani and continues to avoid its responsibility in holding those responsible accountable.

He highlighted that the US not only facilitates the transfer, financing, and refuge of terrorists but also shamelessly employs terrorism as a tool to advance its foreign policy agenda.

- Bagheri to Baghdad

Iranian media reported that Chief of Staff General Mohammad Bagheri arrived in Iraq at the head of a high-level military delegation for a three-day visit.

During this visit, Bagheri is scheduled to meet several high-level political and military officials and discuss bilateral and regional cooperation.

- Joint training with Russia and China

Meanwhile, Iran, Russia, and China's naval forces are set to stage a joint exercise in the Gulf.

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani told a news channel that the drills will include various divisions, adding that delegates from Pakistan, Brazil, Oman, India, South Africa, and several Caspian Sea littoral states will participate as observers.

The Commander explained that the joint naval maneuvers between Iran and Oman took place on Thursday for maritime rescue operations, adding that they take place annually.

He explained that the maneuvers developed throughout the years, and now both countries can participate in rescue missions.

- UUV to destroy mines

During a defense exhibition, the Iranian Navy revealed an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) capable of destroying sea mines.

Iranian media said this new submarine can operate up to 200m deep and identify and destroy all anchored and hidden mines.



Emboldened by Trump, Iranian Dissidents Demand Overthrow of Rulers

Supporters of Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) gather to protest against the nuclear program and the detention of EU nationals as tensions escalate between France and Iran, in Paris, France, February 8, 2025. (Reuters)
Supporters of Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) gather to protest against the nuclear program and the detention of EU nationals as tensions escalate between France and Iran, in Paris, France, February 8, 2025. (Reuters)
TT

Emboldened by Trump, Iranian Dissidents Demand Overthrow of Rulers

Supporters of Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) gather to protest against the nuclear program and the detention of EU nationals as tensions escalate between France and Iran, in Paris, France, February 8, 2025. (Reuters)
Supporters of Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) gather to protest against the nuclear program and the detention of EU nationals as tensions escalate between France and Iran, in Paris, France, February 8, 2025. (Reuters)

Thousands of opponents to Iran's authorities rallied in Paris on Saturday, joined by Ukrainians to call for the fall of the government in Tehran, hopeful that US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign could lead to change in the country.

The protest, organized by the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which is banned in Iran, comes as two of the group's members face imminent execution with a further six sentenced to death in November.

"We say your demise has arrived. With or without negotiations, with or without nuclear weapons, uprising and overthrow await you," NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi said in a speech.

People from across Europe, often bussed in for the event, waved Iranian flags and chanted anti-government slogans amid images deriding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Hundreds of Ukrainians accusing Iran of backing Russian President Vladimir Putin in the war against Ukraine joined the protest.

Iryna Serdiuk, 37, a nurse turned interpreter originally from the embattled Donbass region, and now exiled in Germany, said she had come to Paris to join forces against a common enemy.

"I'm happy to see these Iranians because they are opposition. They support Ukraine and not the Iranian government which gives Russia weapons. We are together and one day it will be victory for Ukraine and Iran too," she said.

The NCRI, also known by its Persian name Mujahideen-e-Khalq, was once listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union until 2012.

SUPPORT INSIDE IRAN

While its critics question its support inside Iran and how it operates, it remains one of the few opposition groups able to rally supporters.

Mohammad Sabetraftar, 63, an Iranian who has been in exile for 40 years and now runs a taxi business in the United Kingdom, dismissed criticism of the NCRI saying that it was the only alternative capable of achieving democracy in Iran.

"What we expect from Mr. Trump or any Western politician is to not support this government. We don't need money, we don't need weapons, we rely on the people. No ties with the regime, no connections and put as much pressure on this government."

Tehran has long called for a crackdown on the NCRI in Paris and Washington. The group is regularly criticized in state media.

In January, Trump's Ukraine envoy spoke at a conference organized by the group in Paris.

At the time he outlined the president's plan to return to a policy of maximum pressure on Iran that sought to wreck its economy, forcing the country to negotiate a deal on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and regional activities.

Homa Sabetraftar, 16, a schoolgirl in Britain, said she felt it was her duty to come to the event to represent the youth of Iran.

"Some people in Iran don't have that voice and aren't able to vocalize as freely as we are able to here," she said. "We need to push for a better future."