Reaction of Iranian officials to potential U.S. strike on Syria

 

The threat of a U.S. strike on Syria following the chemical weapons attack by Assad regime forces on August 21, 2013 has prompted reactions from many of the Islamic Republic's top officials. The Critical Threats Project's Iran team has compiled the most significant of these remarks. This page will be updated as new data becomes available.

Excerpts of these translations may only be used with the express consent of the authors.

LAST UPDATE: September 24, 2013, 2045 ET

 

President Hassan Rouhani:

Rouhani addressed the 68th session of the UNGA in New York.

“The human tragedy in Syria represents a painful example of catastrophic spread of violence and extremism in our region. From the very outset of the crisis and when some regional and international actors helped to militarize the situation through infusion of arms and intelligence into the country and active support of extremist groups, we emphasized that there was no military solution to the Syrian crisis. Pursuit of expansionist strategies and objectives and attempts to change the regional balance through proxies cannot be camouflaged behind humanitarian rhetoric. The common objective of the international community should be a quick end to the killing of the innocent. While condemning any use of chemical weapons, we welcome Syria's acceptance of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and believe that the access by extremist terrorist groups to such weapons is the greatest danger to the region that must be considered in any disarmament plan. Simultaneously, I should underline that illegitimate and ineffective threat to use or the actual use of force will only lead to further exacerbation of violence and crisis in the region.”

“We defend peace based on democracy and the ballot box everywhere, including in Syria, Bahrain, and other countries in the region, and believe that there are no violent solutions to world crises. The bitter and ugly realities of the human society can only be overcome through recourse to and reliance on human wisdom, interaction and moderation. Securing peace and democracy and ensuring the legitimate rights of all countries in the world, including in the Middle East, cannot - and will not - be realized through militarism.”

 

Adviser to the IRGC Commander Mohammad Hossein Saffar Harandi:

“It is three years that Syria has been in a war that could have taken any other country down within a few months, but today Syria is more powerful than ever and this is due to Iran’s support.”

“Iran has become the axis of a powerful formation that the enemies of the Resistance can do nothing to, but, with the ‘Shi’a Crescent plan,’ they try to create chaos and instability in these countries.”

“Today, it is because of the support of Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah that Syria has not fallen, and the superpowers themselves have acknowledged this in their speeches.”

 

September 23, 2013

Coordination Deputy for the Supreme Leader’s Representation to the IRGC Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Sepehr:

“Basij culture and thinking have spread in Syria, and this divine culture has resisted against the warmongering powers supporting terrorists.”

 

Head of the Foundation for the Preservation of Sacred Defense Works and Values Brig. Gen. Bahman Kargar:

“Our Sacred Defense [Iran-Iraq War] beliefs, faith, and culture have been transferred to Syria, but we have not transferred manpower to Syria. When the basij in Syria were formed and that same honorable basiji movement began, after that, the enemy takfiris encountered problems, and the Americans felt danger and said:  ‘Syria must be stopped.’ This issue is important and we must recognize the power of this capital.”

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy for Middle East and North African Affairs Amir Hossein Abdollahian:

“Russia has played a constructive role in developments in Syria, which have been based on [finding] a political and democratic solution.”

 

September 21, 2013

Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff Maj. Gen. Hassan Firouzabadi:

“If you look at this as a sign, you see a plan for America to attack Syria within a framework of a larger plan and military project. If you look at it this way, you the strategic fate of America is foreseen.”

“The American attack on Syria was in a framework in which America attacked Syria to increase the speed of regional events and increase the commotion in the region. That is why in this case the rulers of the region used their intellect and rationality to distance themselves from the American actions and its plan for long-term success.”

“With attention to this view, there must be a stance against this American plan and path for Syria, knowing that this war must not occur.”

“The rule in Syria is a strategic force against America and those who are intimidated say that it is better that Syria does not say anything now and allows American bombs to fall on its head, whereas people who know this war is a strategic threat, speak [from a position of] resistance.”

“In this view, there is another message, and this is that of the effect of deterrence in the national stance of Syria, Russia, and Iran that has links to the Resistance Front in Syria, preventing an American military attack on Syria.”

 

IRGC Navy Commander Brig. Gen. Ali Fadavi:

“America will not show its face in any way in war with Syria because this war is harmful to America and all countries standing against Syria. Therefore, they are seeking a political solution.”

 

IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh:

On American “adventures and statements of attacking Iran after an attack on Syria”: “Statements on such issues have more of a propaganda element, and we consider it unlikely that America has such preparedness in these conditions.”

“America will not enter into war with uncertainty, and because we have the experience of eight years of Sacred Defense [the Iran-Iraq War], we have learned not to trust the enemies.”

“The experience before the Revolution showed that we have always been in the enemies’ axis of attack, and it has been the same after the Revolution.”

 

September 21, 2013

Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps:

The IRGC issued a statement September 21 on occasion of Sacred Defense Week. It reads in part:

“With the passing of twenty-five years since the victorious eight-year Sacred Defense by the nation of Iran against the front of abusers of the Islamic homeland, the effects and consequences of the astounding resistance by the zealous warriors of Islam have been revealed today in the field of many of the regional and extra-regional transformations, such that influencing the expansion of the awakening movement and Islamic Resistance caused the supporters of criminal Saddam, led by America and the Zionist regime, to suffer their worst failures, specifically, the 22- and 33-day wars, and most recently, the [plan] to attack Syria.”

 

Armed Forces General Staff Operations Deputy IRGC Brig. Gen. Ali Shadmani:

On “recent events” in Syria: “We are at the gates of victory. [This is because], first, we are rightful, and second, the enemy did not think that a power by the name of Resistance would be created [in Syria] while simultaneously extending the Resistance and destroying the terrorists.”

“This Resistance power has caused countries that have secretly been supporting terrorists to bring this support aboveboard. [This also caused] the enemy to take its recent measures and investments in the region.”

On the plan to disarm Syria’s chemical weapons program: “This is a plan that Syria has pioneered, but the unconventional weapons of all countries must be collected and administered, and, in reality, this issue must be evaluated closely. This measure in Syria is a message to unjust countries that have factories manufacturing various weapons and have also objected to countries such as Iran and Syria. We hope that the world learns from this issue and powers that are supporting Syria, such as the Islamic Republic, are managing these moves, and they must move toward an appropriate objective and not toward Syria’s capitulation.”

 

September 20, 2013

Senior Military Adviser to the Supreme Leader IRGC Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi:

“In reality, the bandanas that our Basij tied to their heads and this same Islamic resistance spirit were transferred from Iran to Lebanese Hezbollah and the Muslims and mujahedin of Palestine. This spirit and doctrine of Resistance went to Lebanon and Occupied Palestine.”

“In the years before the Revolution, I was present in southern Lebanon and among Palestinians for a time…. Most of them were under the influence of pan-Arab or Marxist thought, but currently this Islamic Awakening, Islamic Resistance, Islamic Revolution, Sacred Defense and this spirit that is under Islam’s flag liberated Palestine and spread to the region.”

 “Look at conditions and the political arrangement in Syria. On one side is America, Europe, and some Arab countries along with some of our neighbors to the West and the other side is Iran, China, and Russia. The reality is that the Americans were defeated in the Syrian scene. This demonstrates the power of Iran’s penetration in affecting political, moral and psychological matters and, most importantly, the wise leadership of the Supreme Leader.”

 

Guardian Council Chairman Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati:

Jannati delivered Tehran’s Friday prayer on September 21.

“Americans also seek to conduct a strike so they can show off their power, but on the other side, they know that military intervention in Syria will have a costly end for them.”

“Reason dictates that Syrian matters should be resolved with political meetings and negotiations.      ”

 

September 16, 2013

IRGC Aerospace Force Commander BG Amir Ali Hajizadeh:

“If the front and front lines of our clashes with Iraq were in Ahvaz during the Imposed War [Iran-Iraq War], today we witness that this front has gone to the Mediterranean shores, and the basij of Hezbollah are confronting Arrogance [the West and US] on the Mediterranean shore.”

 

IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari:

Jafari addressed the 20th IRGC Commanders and Officials conference in Tehran.

“The Islamic Revolution has had very good conditions in external affairs, and we continuously witness the successive failures of Arrogance [the US and West] against the Resistance Front, and we are witnessing that the Islamic Revolution is continuing in its path in the Palestinian Territories, Iraq, and Lebanon.”

“The latest failure of the enemy and Arrogance against the Resistance was in Syria, where their plot to intervene militarily failed and their primary plan failed like the rest of their plans. This is a time when the enemy has said that if we cannot find a foothold in Syria, we also cannot get one in Iran.”

“In the last decade and after September 11th, we witnessed widespread American plans in the region to fuel a military threat to Iran and control the Islamic Revolution. Although today we witness that with all their power camped within Iran’s borders, Americans consider themselves to be blockading Iran, they have never been able to militarily threaten Iran, even with words. This is the same balance of terror and threat the IRGC proposes in its strategic foundations, and this power is found in different defensive, security, and other social dimensions.”

“Our enemies had a plot to intervene in and attack Syria militarily, but this plot has failed until now, and we hope that it remains a failure.”

“Great accomplishments of the Revolution are being achieved. According to our enemies, they are not responsible for Syria, and this will also be the case against Iran, which is a sign of the defense of our Revolution outside of its geographical borders.”

 

President Hassan Rouhani:

Rouhani addressed the 20th IRGC Commanders and Officials conference in Tehran.

“Syria is at a sensitive point and the fight is not regarding the President or a tribe. The matter goes beyond that, and it is clear for all of us that the West has a determination for the entire region and does not prefer our region in its current form. This is why the English and French are returning to the region after years.”

“Analyzing the situations of Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq and Syria demonstrate that the West has placed them in a chain and is seeking to strengthen Israel and weaken the Resistance Front. The Syrian matter is the matter of a large region’s destiny, not just a single country, and it is possible to determine the world’s destiny in these circumstances.”

“Of course, the Islamic Republic’s opinion was always clear [about chemical weapons] and we have opposed weapons of mass destruction. But the West’s mistake is that it thinks that the Islamic Republic is seeking an opportunity for military dominance in the region, while we are not pursuing it. Our strength is our thought’s dominance in the entire region.”

“The IRGC is not the army of war in the region. The IRGC is peace and security. If the Global Arrogance’s military threats are eliminated in the region, the IRGC does not seek military dominance in the region. Our saying is populism, stability, unity, brotherhood and the fight against terrorism in the entire region.”

“It is better for unwelcome guests to leave the region and let go of their invasion and Iranophobia. Our slogan is the slogan of populism. If the Egyptian people seek populism and the West is concerned, this is the Egyptian people’s own decision.”

“In Syria, Iraq and all countries, the people’s opinion must rule, even in Palestine. The affirmation of the Revolution's leader that all displaced Palestinians must return to their country and vote, demonstrates that our basis is populism.

“Anyone who  uses chemical weapons anywhere is condemned by us. Fundamentally, we condemn civil war and massacre. Syria must return to stability and afterwards, we will accept anyone the people vote for.”

 

 

National Security and Parliamentary (NSFP) Commission Chairman MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi, NSFP member and formed IRGC commander MP Esmail Kowsari and NSFP member MP Ebrahim Agha Mohammadi each reacted to the BBC Persian’s film about documentary filmmaker Hadi Baqbani, killed in Syria last month and reportedly kidnapped by Syrian opposition. Each dismissed any IRGC presence in Syria and called it an “utter lie” and a “ridiculous claim.” Kowsari stated, “We do not send military forces to Syria. The only thing we do is to transfer our experience to Syria.” 

 

September 14, 2013

Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen Qassem Suleimani:

“This grand, deep political-religious place [of the Islamic Republic in the region] has been achieved with the least cost and within the framework of national interests.”

“The Islamic Republic's unmatched achievements and determining positions in all three axes [Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq] is a reality that the enemies also admit to.”

“Fulfilling democracy and populism in any part of the Islamic world will be to the benefit of the Islamic Republic and the detriment of the West.”

“In both the 22-Day and 8-Day wars, Palestinian mujahedin and the sacrificing Gazan people, by following Lebanese Hezbollah's model and with Iran's blessing, forced Israel to accept defeat. This reality also demonstrates the Islamic Republic's sublime place in the region.”

"Methods such as creating tribal or ethnic conflicts, eroding the Resistance Front in Lebanon, intensifying Shi'a and Sunni clashing, and penetrating and guiding extremist takfiri forces against the Islamic Revolution pursue a unified goal, meaning the weakening of Iran's place in the region.”

“Taking advantage of religious sensitivities in the Islamic world, intensifying anti-Shiism, using the hidden unity of the Zionist lobby and the Reactionaries [Western supported Arab governments], forming a unified media front between the region and the West, dispersing the Reactionaries’ huge cash resources, and utilizing and overlapping all 'political, economic and security' components are prominent points of the Arrogance and Reactionary front's organization to confront the Resistance Front and the Islamic Revolution.”

“[We] must correctly explain the Islamic Republic's strong logic in support of public opinion.”

 “Syria's real problem from the Western, Zionist and Reactionary point of view is not the Alawite minority's rule or lack of democracy, but rather the knowledge that the Resistance's strong position in the region is doubtlessly owed to the Syrian government.”

 “The Syrian Army's continuous victories in the past year have caused the recent total attack against Syria.”

 “The anti-American, anti-Zionist and anti-Reactionary's energy of regional nations are releasing. This reality promises Iran's daily increase of strength and status.”

 

September 13, 2013

Former IRGC Navy Commander Brig. Gen. Hossein Alaei:

Alaei garnered international media attention in after publishing an editorial in 2012 implicitly criticizing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. A powerful network of IRGC commanders responded with two open letters. For more see “The IRGC Command Network: Formal Structures and Informal Influence.” Alaei was also reportedly President Rouhani’s first selection for Defense Minister, before Khamenei rejected Rouhani’s pick.

“Amidst these developing conflicts [in Syria[ Iran emerged to stand for the status-quo in support of free and open elections without foreign intervention. The reason for this is that the Islamic Republic has assessed the situation in Syria to be one in which the people desired a democracy and reform; however, once these people began to mobilize and protest, the aforementioned external actors entered the scene in order to pursue their self-interests. Therefore, the scene in Syria the past two and half years is one in which opposing interests and programs are vying for influence. So I pose this question, what kind of regime change or government is America pursuing in Syria? What kind of government is Saudi Arabia pursuing? How about Turkey? And finally what form of government do the people of Syria want?”

“Unfortunately, from its inception, the problem in Syria has led to rising levels of anti-Iran sentiment throughout the Arab world. Which raises the question, if you [Iran] claim to be democratic and in support of elections, why are you supporting the Syrian dictatorship? This has resulted in many people who viewed the past three years and recent developments in the Arab world with the same questions relating to democracy to apply the same logic to Iran, resulting in a significant drop in Iran’s influence and appeal in the Arab world.”

“It seems to be in the best interests of America and Russia to synthesize a formula to replace Bashar al-Assad with the maximum rate of survival for Assad’s regime being the 2014 elections. Maybe one of the American plans is to pressure Assad and his supporters enough that he cannot enter as a candidate in the upcoming 2014 elections. With this theory, regional and international actors can manage the internal affairs and elections of Syria. In my opinion with the current situation in Syria, moving forward things do not look to be in favor of Assad. It is a sensitive situation and equally hard to determine whether or not Syria will be better off with Assad removed from power. Either way, it is incumbent upon the world to prevent any military intervention in Syria by the Americans and allow changes to be made in the name of democracy as well as the interest of the people of Syria.”

 

September 12, 2013

President Hassan Rouhani:

Rouhani met with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kazakhstan.

“Iran is prepared to begin cooperation and effective and constructive action with China in regional matters, particularly in resolving the Syrian crisis.”

 

Head of the Basij Seminary Students Organization Hojjat al-Eslam Amir Hossein Shahani:

 “In the case of America’s potential invasion of Syria, Basiji seminary students are eagerly prepared to stand against the enemies and this confrontation will doubtlessly be their honor. Just as they have during the eight years of the Sacred Defense [Iran-Iraq War], seminary students and clergyman will lead defensive combat.”

 

IRGC political official and Imam Hossein University professor Abutorab Katebi:

"With respect to its natural and human geography, Syria has [people of] many races and religious faiths, and this has caused differences inside the country and these differences have been the source of the recent unfortunate incidents in [Syria]."

"Syria's structures have been administered by a party by the name of the Baath party, like Iraq, and this single party and government has been the cause of discontent among various groups and parties in this country for the past few years."

"The closed political space in [Syria] and absolute rule of one party has caused discontent among different ethnic groups in this country, and this same discontent has caused differences and divisions and the fire of [Syria's] civil war."

"Unfortunately, [because] Syria is the Axis of Resistance in the region and is the link between Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, with the start of this civil war, the enemies quickly began working and tried to foment these differences."

"Today, Iran,  as the primary supporter of Syria, has a presence in the field, and Islamic Iran, with respect to being on the frontline in Syria, has had a resounding presence in support of the great people of this country against Arrogance."

"The Islamic Republic and Russia are currently placed alongside the people of Syria and have tried with [our] positions to prevent another war in the region, and of course other countries have accompanied us."

 

September 11, 2013

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:

"We hope America's new position regarding Syria is serious, without deception and a true reversal from their arbitrary and mistaken position of the past few weeks."

“Hegemonic powers and superpowers, particularly America, in order to achieve their illegitimate interests never hesitate from devastating countries and killing people.”

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif:

“Much information is available that shows that chemical weapons are in the hands of takfiri groups, and this is a threat for us, Iraq, and the whole region. We cannot accept the region to fall into another war in any form under the pretext of the use of chemical weapons.  Because in this case the first victims are the Syrian people and the nations of the region.”

 

Former Quds Force member and current National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member Deputy Head Mansour Haghighat Pour:

“Americans cannot develop the necessary consensus or coordination in the internal or international arena for a war with Syria, and they know that the Russian proposal on the Syrian chemical weapons is a welcome opportunity for their retreat.”

“Americans found that if they made an error, their pawns in the region, meaning the Zionist regime, would be destroyed in the ensuing fatal fire of the Resistance and Syria.”

“The lack of consensus for an attack on Syria in the domestic American arena, and likewise in the international arena, are signs of the breaking of unilateral politics in the world. The strategic unity of Iran, China, and Russia in preventing the American attack on Syria is a promise of the end of a uni-polar world and the movement in the direction of a multi-polar world.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member and former IRGC commander Brig. Gen. 2nd Class Mohammad Saleh Jokar:

“This type of vconduct of the White House is part of its arrogance that arrogant powers  have always shown throughout history.”

“In this case the Americans imagine that if there is no attack on Syria, their reputation will be harmed.”

“The facts are that American power in the region is declining and they will lose the region in the case of an exit. Unlike the past, they are not powerful and, therefore, seek to compensate.”

“Now Americans have put their foot into it, providing the attack on Syria fails and there is no attack, their reputation and power in the world will be harmed. If there is no attack on Syria, America’s reputation will be under question. Therefore, [the U.S.] is in consultation with many other countries in order to find its own allies for this operation, so that at least it is not alone.”

“Certainly there are consequences of an American attack on Syria, it will be to its own detriment, because now it is coming down from its own preliminary positions and thinking that an attack on Syria will be conducted to a limited extent, but even limited operations will also lead to action by the Resistance that will not be to the benefit of it and its allies, meaning the Zionist regime.”

 “The preservation of the Zionist regime’s benefits is one of the goals of America in the region, and if this attack occurs, the absolute destruction of the Zionist regime will be accelerated due to the capacities and capabilities of the Resistance in the region.”

“Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, due to the weaknesses in security they have, are very vulnerable, and the effects of the consequences of a strike on Syria will also find these countries. Therefore, for the same reason that many countries that originally accompanied America, today they set themselves aside and know that an American attack on Syria will not only not benefit them but also will have greater costs than any are able to repair.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member Ahmed Reza Dastgheib:

“The small distance from the Zionist regime to the Syrian front is a cause of American hesitation for the attack on Syria because America, if it attacks this country, will be burning the Zionist regime at its own hands and will be committing suicide in the region with this action.”

“American sources presented to Russia are excuses that they show in order to preserve respect that they lost in the international arena.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran and freedom seekers around the world gave America a warning message about the attack on Syria, saying that the conditions are not the same as before and a Syrian war will bring different conditions than prior American movements in the region.”

“It seems to me that Americans from here forward reflect more on their decisions and actions and consider the facts of the world. This is a good opportunity for Americans to review their confrontations with different countries, and their vindictive policies against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member Mohammad Reza Mohassani Sani:

“Islamic vigilance and developments affecting this vigilance are a serious warning to America and the Zionist regime.”

“For some time, the Zionists have been looking to break the Axis of Resistance and have taken many actions in this direction, so an attack on Syria follows in the same context.”

“The Americans’ discussion about an attack on Syria is also in the same direction, but because the diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and some countries and public pressure, the Americans must retreat.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member Avaz Hidrapour:

“Americans want to forever secure the security of the Zionists with an attack on Syria.”

“The probable military strikes on Americans that the Syrian army showed [would occur as a result] caused America despair over victory in the war.”

“Americans found that any military action against Syria would alter the security of the Zionist regime.”

“The Russian proposal that was also welcomed by Iran, was a good excuse and great opportunity for the Americans to escape the Syrian crisis, and they used of this opportunity.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member Spokesman Hossein Naghavi:

“Just as we have seen from the beginning, Americans face numerous problems in the attack on Syria and they are making an effort to save themselves from the proposed attack on Syria.”

“Step by step the U.S. President retreats from the attack on Syria, showing that the White House is confused over the attack on Syria.”

“Retreating from the attack on Syria is considered a diplomatic failure for the American government.”

“America is looking for excuses to escape from the attack on Syria.”

“The American government fears the result of a vote in Congress; they do not know which excuse to choose for their lack of a military attack on Syria after the Congressional vote.”

“The Russian proposal is a political solution to the Syrian crisis. This proposal looks to the partnership of international institutions to solve the Syrian crisis and the prevention of some rogue hegemonic powers such as America. ”

“If Syria agrees to the UN forces’ supervision of its reserves and arsenals, the excuse is taken from the enemy, and the event that occurred in Iraq with American deception will not occur.”

“Providing the agreement of Syria to this proposal, Russia and the UN must get the necessary guarantees from America so that this country distances itself from the military solution to the Syrian crisis, otherwise they cannot account for America’s promise.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Member Mohammad Hassan Asefari:

“Americans imagine that, like the attack on Iraq, a number of significant countries will accompany them.”

“Before its attack on Iraq, America presented the false claim of weapons of mass destruction, and after the war it became clear for all of the nations of the world that America had made false claims in order to kill Muslims and benefit itself.”

“After the resistance of the world’s nations and the lack of worldwide consensus, America is being forced to retreat from its attack on Syria.”

“Americans found that in an attack on Syria, they would be even more alone than in the past.”

“The world’s opposition to an attack on Syria is the excuse for America’s exit from the crisis.”

 

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Qaznafar Rokn Abadi:

“America presents evidence so that it can claim to confirm the usage of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, and make an effort to create a commotion with propaganda to cover the truth.”

 

Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Ali Reza Bikdali:

Asked if Syria will attack Turkey: “We show our perception that friendly relations between Syria and Turkey can be returned to, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared and has taken every action in this area. We think that friendship between countries of the region aids stability and peace in the area and we’ve said the same thing to our Turkish friends.”

“Relations between Syria and Iran include numerous and diverse topics, and the relations of the two countries have deep, historical currents and the two nations have very widespread links. The topic of Syria is a test for the two countries. With patience and tolerance, Iran and Turkey can find a mutual way out for Syria. If two countries find a mutual solution for a regional issue, it will help reinforce bilateral relations. In the same way, Iran and Syria can seriously help to solve the Syrian issue.”

“It must be accepted that the fate of Bashar Assad needs to be determined by the Syrian people in a ballot box. In the end, the ballot decides. In Afghanistan and Iraq, also after long stretches of violence, in the end, elections were held and the fate of the government was chosen. If three years ago there had been agreement on this subject, this many people would not have been killed. Instead of addressing affairs that are the right of the Syrian people, we must negotiate on topics like peaceful elections. Instead of negotiation about the future of Bashar Assad, we must negotiate on helpful items so that we can hold peace elections in Syria. Of course there are many countries that do not hold peaceful elections, but all help so that the process of elections is on the path to being held peacefully. In Syria our expectations are the same, that we can help them move on the path to democracy.”

 

MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hojjat al-Eslam Mohammad Hassan Abu Torabi Fard:

“The power and legitimacy of the Syrian government are the primary factors breaking down the tricks of global arrogance.”

“According to many experts, even those inclined towards the American government, a military attack on Syria will entail heavy costs for this country.”

“The [UN] Security Council is opposed to this war of American creation, and likewise its European allies distance themselves from or are opposed to it. Similarly, Russia and China also have hard stances and are firm in them, and with these conditions America is in a difficult position.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission member Javad Karimi Ghodousi:

“When our military commanders introduced Syria as a red line and His Excellency [Supreme Leader] presented enlightening intelligence regarding events in Syria, the Americans noticed that Iran, as the region's superior power, has the capability to cripple America in the Middle East and that no power can ignore Iran's red lines.”

“The Resistance's will has prevented the implementation of the Americans' will in the region, and this itself is a great victory for Resistance thought in the region.”

“Americans know well that Lebanese Hezbollah, as a superior military power, could and can answer the Americans' military measures and movements. Therefore, the Americans would be facing a big problem called Lebanese Hezbollah in return for attacking Syria.”

“The Americans knew that in the case of a military attack against Syria, their destroyers and frigates in the Mediterranean would be struck by the missiles of the Resistance. Even the Occupied Territories [Israel] would be struck by missiles from Syria during the early days of the war. Therefore, imagining half a million dead in the Occupied Territories during the early days of war was very difficult for the Americans.”

“In the early months of the Syrian adventure, Qatar led the terrorists, but the Americans accepted Saudi Arabia's proposal to transfer the Syrian case from the House of Khalifeh to the House of Saud, and therefore the Saudis became Syrian field commanders.”

“In the deal that the Saudis had with the Americans, it was planned that in return for transferring the Syrian case to the hands of Riyadh, the Americans would remove the Qatari crown prince. It was on this basis that America and Saudi Arabia entered a deal, and in the end the Syrian case was transferred from Qatar to Saudi Arabia and the Americans also removed the Qatari crown prince.”

“Competition between the House of Saud and the House of Khalifeh caused the withdrawal of the Qataris from Syrian events and their lack of trust in the Americans.”

“America's withdrawal from militarily attacking Syria will have a costly end for Saudi Arabia, more so than others, because they will suffer a heavy defeat in this game for the deal they struck with the Americans.”

 

September 10, 2013 (updated on September 11)

President Hassan Rouhani:

“The Middle Eastern region has always been sensitive, and it is now more sensitive. The region now faces two issues that the enemies of the region created.”

“The first problem is sectarian differences in the region, and another problem is the problem is of terrorism, which slowly pervades  the domain of many countries. Syria is one particular matter the region has and it is the front line of the Resistance, and today in Syria conditions are changing into a civil war.”

 “We see sectarianism, radicalism, terrorism, and foreign interference in that region, and all of these problems are doubling, especially the latest excuse-making with the excuse of the chemical issue. Of course we condemn the use of chemical weapons in any country in any region under any conditions, but with this excuse they want to begin foreign intervention.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is very active in this area, meaning in addition to my negotiations with some countries’ leaders and sending messages, the foreign minister has also negotiated and had dialogues with more than 35 of his counterparts, and we hope that these efforts will slowly be fruitful.”

“My hope is that a war does not begin.  We are witnessing signs, and if we are successful then we will distance the region and Syria from a military attack, which is in my opinion an important step for the region and its stability.”

“Today the region has many problems, and the Syrian issue, due to the country’s location on the front line of the resistance, is our priority.”

 “Despite all of the existing problems, necessary steps are coming to transmit altruistic aid like food and flour to Syria, which, today, is facing a pounding, and I gave the necessary orders to different parts yesterday.”

“Today, the closest ally of [the U.S. in] Europe, meaning England and its parliament, voted against a war. This is not because their hearts burn for the nation and people of Syria, but because of the consequences of past wars.”

“If war is imposed on the Syrian people, the greatest loss will be for the warmongerers and their friends in the region.”

 

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Manouchehr Mottaki:

Mottaki spoke with the Syrian Ambassador in Tehran.

“In the past half-century, Syria, despite bordering a source of regional stress, meaning the Zionist regime, has been able to preserve its independence and original policies.”

“Syria is the only country in the Arab sphere that stands beside the legitimate stances of the Islamic Republic, and those who cross through Syria today are not only acting against the nation and government of Syria, but also attacking the original resistance in the region.”

“We have learned from the Imam [Khomeini] that only in the shadow of the Resistance can one preserve his own identity and independence, and today the protection of Syria also means the protection of the Resistance. Therefore, the enemy can take any action and we must always be alert and prepared.”

“Today, there is opposition across the world to beginning a new war in Syria, and we think big personalities in the world are opposed to this war.”

 

MP Mohammad Suleimani:

“Islamic commands and Imam Khomeini also always made certain that Muslims helped one another. People in Syria who are fighting against the nation and government of the country are terrorists who have gathered from all over the earth and go there in numbers as foreign forces.”

“The nation of Syria knows its own task, to defend its own rule. Syria has been on the front line of the Resistance for the past ten years and has truly helped the Resistance, and now that is why forces loyal to Islam and mankind who pursue the freedom of people must come to this sensitive area to help the nation of Syria.”

“The national slogan of Iran is also freedom and independence, and it must defend and protect the freedom and independence of countries like Syria. One serious task for all is the spiritual and material protection of the nation of Syria.”

“It’s completely clear that these plots are led by America, and they want to debilitate the nation of Syria in order to deepen their own rule in the Middle East, and the people of the region pay special attention to this essential and important matter. “

“These wars actually threaten the existence of Israel, and that is why they believe that perhaps by pounding on Syria they debilitate the Axis of Resistance.”

 

Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Ali Reza Beykdeli:

“We know some in [U.S.] Congress intend for America to enter the war. But we also know that there are rational individuals existing who oppose them. They do not have a reason to condemn the Syrian state. Likewise, we remember that the United Nations has still not made a decision on this topic. Public opinion in America is also in opposition to war. We hope that the second group who wants war goes back to the request of their own. That is why big wars always start with a small spark.”

“Everyone knows that war launched in the region has been viewed with hatred by humanity. Our nations are alert and do not grant permission for their own fate to be determined by others. If they turn to bombs and missiles to display their strength, they will be confronted with a tragedy of Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, each week in both countries, at least hundreds of people’s lives are lost.”

In regards to the transfer of chemical weapons: “This is a topic that Syrian officials must decide on. We must see what Assad says. Another diplomatic effort on the Iranian, Russian, and Syrian front is now taking shape. Though parts of it are still not specified, its foundation is quickly forming.”

 

Deputy Foreign Minister for Middle East and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian:

Abdollahian traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Russian officials.

Asked, should the diplomatic proposal fail, would Iran enter a shared defense agreement with Syria: “Syria can defend itself. Syria does has not asked Iran, or Russia, to enter a war. We, as Syria’s friends, have obtained information that shows they have internally organized many capabilities in regards to a confrontation.”

 

Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani:

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in the first place, must protect its own revolution, regime, and accomplishments, and in the next place, must peacefully cross the pressing and regional crises with tact and planning.”

 

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Qazanfar Roknabadi:

Roknabadi spoke with the Christian leader of the Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement, Michel Aoun, condemning the recent attack on Maaloula, Syria.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will never fail to make any effort to prevent a new war in the region, and it is necessary that all international parties, organizations, institutions, and the people of these institutions use everything in their capacity to prevent the occurrence of a great tragedy in the region. Otherwise, if a war occurs, warmongerers know that the burning fire will consume all.”

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham:

Asked about the Russian proposal to dismantle Assad's chemical weapons program: "We welcome the Russian initiative for ending the Syrian crisis at this stage, and we consider this initiative within the framework of ending militarism in the region."

"We, as a country that has always been opposed to the use of chemical weapons, have always called for ridding the region of weapons of mass destruction while, at the same time, have expressed concern over chemical weapons falling into the hands of terrorist groups and we consider this dangerous for the region and the world."

 

Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan:

 “In the past, the Axis of Resistance was pursued by Arab countries in uniting against Israel, but today [Lebanese] Hezbollah, Syria, Lebanon and Iran are placed in this field of resistance.”

“Americans are seeking to weaken the power of the Axis of Resistance, in a way, to pursue advancing their goals in the region, meaning they [do not allow the Resistance] to prevent an American invasion and Israel and destroy it.”

“Today, America does not have the military capability for launching a ground invasion to occupy Syria or for overthrowing this country’s political system. If it seeks to execute any measures, it can be an aerial attack where it can target and strike areas in this attack, but this attack cannot cause the fall of a political system.”

“America cannot occupy Syria, but they seek to justify their military measure against areas that they imagine have chemical, military and such capabilities so that they can make this country’s recent successes less effective.”

“We believe that the Americans must rationally ponder the consequences of striking Syria militarily and be cautious, because this military measure in the region, per the statements of the Supreme Leader, is like exploding a powder keg and the crisis area will be uncontrollable.”

On why Syria is important to Iran: “Due to the Axis of Resistance, the Palestinian matter, which is an Islamic matter, and the Late Imam's [Khomeini] statements. Muslims are not indifferent to the Palestinians’ fate and will not tolerate what happens to Muslim nations.”

“In the past and present, Syria has been one of the countries that has continuously placed itself in the trench of Resistance, opposite the Zionist regime and in defense of the Palestinian nation, and has remained present in this field.”

“We fundamentally cooperate with Syria due to the Axis of Resistance and the Palestinian matter and have no other reason.”

“Countries that support America’s military attack against Syria by sending manpower, money, propaganda and political support must certainly be concerned about their future.”

“Today, takfiri forces and terrorists from all countries have gathered in Syria and are fighting the Syrian people and political system. The question is whether these groups will stay within this geography and these borders or whether they will spread like a virus and create instability and insecurity. Certainly the second case will occur.”

“The Syrian regime and Bashar Assad will not stand by so [foreigners can] overthrow their political system, drop bombs on their people and not show any reactions. This reaction, naturally, can take place with the Syrian leaders’ political decision and cause the creation of a new counter attack in the region that may drag others to this field of conflict.”

Reaction to those who are supportive of an American strike: "Any reaction will occur [in the case of a strike] and one must see with which dimensions, goals and motivations military measure takes place in Syria. Naturally, the Syrian regime and its supporters will react proportionally.”

“That which can be a threat for the Islamic Republic are transregional threats that are mainly from America and Israel. Our defensive capabilities, their vulnerability, and our national will to confront any measures by their side depends on the people’s massive support. Of course, our political system possesses complete political unity and the eight years of Sacred Defense [Iran-Iraq War] experience has transformed our culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom into the capability to deter against any invading forces that seek to execute any measures beyond our borders.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi:

“The Russians have practically lost [all] their bases in the region and the only point that this country has in the Middle East is Syria. On this basis, the Russians will not repeat their past mistakes and will not allow their ally in the region to be captured by the Americans. This is my prediction of Russia’s reaction, which will be different than during the West’s attack on Libya.”

“If the U.S. attacks Syria, Putin enters the field and the Syrians answer this attack by attacking the Zionist regime, all of which may cause members of U.S. Congress to implement their threat of impeaching Obama.”

“The result of the Resistance’s four wars since 2010 against the Zionist regime demonstrate that the Zionists’ Iron Dome is inefficient and could not persevere against the missiles of the Resistance. Syria’s missiles are not comparable to those of the Resistance. Syria is a powerful military country and possesses advanced Russian missiles and a strong defensive system. Therefore, Syria’s reaction will not be normal.”

“Iran’s positions regarding the Resistance, Hezbollah, other Resistance groups, and also Syria, as the supporter of the Resistance, is clear for the entire world. Iran will not be silent against illegal, irrational and challenge-creating attacks against Syria. We will support our allies in the region and are not indifferent, but military officials design the method of reaction.”

“We are not interested in closing the Strait of Hormuz, but in a crisis situation all options can be on the table. If America miscalculates, its dimensions will not be clear.”

“Hezbollah possesses special characteristics and complicated military and political formations, therefore, one cannot predict their reaction regarding the Syrian crisis. [They] act based on existing realities; Hezbollah's record is sufficient for judgment.”

“Certainly, America’s allies in the region (Syrian terrorists) used Sarin chemical gas in the form of hand-made weapons. Giving chemical weapons technology to terrorists means a threat against America, Europe and all of humanity because they can build a chemical weapon in a house team in Europe or anywhere else.”

 

September 9, 2013

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Javad Zarif:

“America is alone in its attack on Syria, and Iran, Iraq and also other countries have a shared viewpoint, and are against war. Iran and Iraq also have the same view that it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of a new war in the region.”

“Iran and Iraq have shared viewpoints on Syria. I think that all of the world, with the exception of a few countries, are against any military action that creates a more serious threat for the region, and Iran and Iraq have the same view.”

“In my travel to Iraq and my meetings with different groups, I have witnessed that there are benefactors in regards to the outbreak of a war in the region and the serious risks of that, but the universal thought from the beginning was that it was necessary  that we prevent a new war and not permit a historical crisis that a group is making an effort to fuel.”

“Iran and America have been exchanging messages about Syria, and if there is a need, we will continue this process.”

“I don’t know why people who say that all options are on the table don’t understand that this is a fact that civilized countries rejected 65 years ago in the UN charter as the illegal use of force.”

 

Armed Forces General Staff Basij Affairs and Defense Culture Deputy Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri:

“Countries that are, in a sense, America’s partners in providing money, capabilities and bases to invaders are within Syria's range, and current predictions are that nothing can prevent confrontations like Syria.”

“Apparent intelligence plainly says that Syria is aware of the enemy’s deceitful operations, therefore it considers any military measure from America as a comprehensive act and will answer fire with fire, offensive with offensive, actively and widely.”

 

Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani:

“Preparation for a military attack on an independent country that is standing against foreign terrorists, with the unrealistic excuse of the use of chemical weapons, will not have any result other than the amplification of regional problems.”

“Since the very beginning of the Syrian crisis, we have said that the internal problems of this country must be resolved by way of national negotiations and likewise with the reinforcement of democracy, and we have been against the issuance of weapons and terrorists to Syria from different regional and non-regional countries.”

 

Former MP and current head of the Islamic Motalefh Party Center for International Affairs Hamid Reza Taraghi:

“A Western attack on Syria is detrimental for the new national policies of Mr. Rouhani, because this attack by America is hostile to the way of negotiation, closes dialogue, and will leave the region stricken with an unwanted war.”

 

MP Ali Reza Salimi:

“America, which claims to be in opposition to terrorism, not only remains silent in the face of al-Qaeda’s crimes, but also sends its own financial aid and weaponry to al-Qaeda.”

“The American war machine, if it enters Syria, will be seriously stricken with injuries, and the American chariots of war will be entrapped in stony Syria.”

“Should war occur, the management of the region will leave the hands of America because the people in some reactionary Arab countries will ferment and the groundwork of despotic governments in these countries will be shaken. “

 

Member of the Expediency Council, Principlist Party Leader, and Former Speaker of Parliament Gholam Ali Hadded-Adel:

“We hope that this time America has learned from its errors in the past and will not enter the swamp of war in Syria.”

“The experience of past years have shown that Americans have not wisely learned from their decisions.”

“Our recommendation to America is this: do not fall for the Zionist deception of a war in Syria. “

 

MP Bijan Nobaveh:

“America arrived at the result that the Syrian system is a sign of the power of resistance and the power of Iran, and that the Syrian War is actually a war of Iran and America; Bashar Assad’s government is weak in opposition to America, but Syrians, by modeling our system of struggle known as the Basij War, are standing in opposition to the terrorists even though America and the West are supporters of the terrorists; the West knows that if the Syrian system fails, a resistance called the Islamic resistance in Lebanon will not remain, because America’s target from the attack on Syria is Hezbollah. “

“The West is looking at the same takeover scenario that is happening in Egypt. Therefore, the debilitation of each of the regions’ governments, is a reinforcement of the Zionist regime, and a war that is today in Syria is a full-scale systemic and political war. The West knows that the revolution’s foundation was the needs of humanity, and its support of oppressive forces in Islamic countries will not end. So all the plots are made so that the Islamic resistance in Lebanon will fall and be destroyed.”

“Despite the widespread propaganda about its power that Israel creates, Hezbollah and Hamas slapped Israel... but, today, has have no power to show. But it believes that if it cannot overthrow the government of Bashar Assad, it is impossible for it to deal with Islamic countries. Therefore, the biggest ruse and deception throughout history has taken shape against the Syrian regime, and the West wants to cut off the arms of the Islamic Republic with the destruction of the Islamic system and Islamic resistance. Here, more than before, the importance of the presence of Sepah and Guardians is understood.”

 

Former Representative of the Supreme Leader to the Quds Force and current MP and member of the Combatant Clergy Association Hojjat al-Eslam Ahmad Salek:

“The position of members of Parliament against the American military attack on Syria is not outside of the position of the Supreme leader or the regime’s general policies.”

“The chemical attack in Syria was carried out by mercenaries hired by America.”

“Hezbollah and Iran are considered to be the original allies of Syria.”

“America may have started the war, but it certainly will not end it.”

“If Syria needs general unity in opposition to the American military attack, it is found in this country.”

 

September 8, 2013

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif:

Zarif traveled to Iraq to meet with senior officials. He made the following comments in a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minsiter Hoshyar Zebari.

Asked about the relationship between the Syria crisis and the purported use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government: "No two nations have been victims of chemical weapons use by Saddam [Hussein] and the indifference of the international community as Iran and Iraq, and no one can understand the significance of condemning the use of chemical weapons by anyone than us."

"We are worried about a spreading fire in the region and we know that this fire is dangerous for the world, and we will talk to everyone to recommend international law, avoiding the use of force, and bringing all sides to the table so we can see the end of war and fratricide in Syria."

"We have tried to prevent this war [in Syria] because we know that anyone that starts it cannot end it, and we know that the American president has, without personal inclination, entered into a trap set by others and we hope that he exits from this [trap] with tact...."

"We feel that a war in the region is a war against the entire region, and everyone in the region will face insecurity."

Asked about a report in the U.S. media that suggested Iran's supporters would attack U.S. interests in Iraq in the event of an attack on Syria: "Certainly the Islamic Republic of Iran will not take any step against the sovereignty of the friend and brother government of Iraq.... We believe that these words are for justifying military action, which will be a serious danger for those [who begin the war]."

"One must not bang the drums of war, and banging the drums of war leads the region being trapped. Someone that shortsightedly beats according to war fans the flames, which will [burn] everyone."

Zarif made the following comments in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has felt all the dangers of the use of chemical weapons during the Imposed War [Iran-Iraq War], and this is while the individuals that are presently pursuing a [mob mentality] and controversial measures were silent during Saddam's use of chemical weapons."

"While condemning the use of chemical weapons, we have rejected any type of military measure in the region for any excuse, and we consider the solution to regional crises to be based on political mechanisms and conversation between various sides."

Zarif made the following comments in a meeting with members of Iraq's National Unity Party.

"We do not accept that a group that was previously indifferent to chemical weapons use by Saddam in Iran and Iraq today consider themselves responsible for determining which people have used chemical weapons, specifically around circumstances in which there is a lot of uncertainty."

"A large amount of intelligence exists that takfiri groups possess chemical weapons, and this is considered a threat to the region."

"We do not accept the excuse of chemical weapons for war in the region whose victims will be the people of Syria, then the people of the region, and even the people of the countries pursuing war."

Stating that the destructive war in Syria has caused shame for the Islamic world and that all sides should be at the negotiating table: "For our part, we encourage all individuals that have relations with us to come to negotiate, but unfortunately some pro-war governments have kept their supporters away from negotiations."

 

First Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri:

Jahangiri made the following comments during a telephone conversation with Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi.

"Tehran will continue its support for the Axis of Resistance, specifically, Syria."

 

Armed Forces General Staff Basij Affairs and Defense Culture Deputy Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri:

"Countries that, as America's partners, have placed money, facilities, and bases in the hands of the invaders are in the range of Syria, and this suggests that nothing can be a barrier to a response from Syria."

"Clear intelligence says explicitly Syria is aware of the enemy's deception operations; therefore, every American military measure is considered a comprehensive action and, on this basis, [Syria] will answer fire with fire and offensive with offensive."

"The international community gives Syria the right to confront enemies and aggressors violently in order to defend itself."

 

IRGC Mohammad Rasoul-Allah unit (Greater Tehran) Commander Brig. Gen. Mohsen Kazemeini:

"In reality, war in Syria is a war against the Islamic Republic and all the Resistance. America is attacking Syria without permission from the [UN] Security Council, unless something special happens in Syria, and will take this measure unilaterally. The current situation shows that something new will occur in the Middle East after an attack on Syria, which will not be like Iraq and Afghanistan."

 

September 7, 2013

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission (NSFP) member MP Mohammad Javad Karimi Ghodousi:

Ghodousi was a member of the Iranian delegation led by NSFP Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi that visited Syria and Lebanon the week prior and met with senior officials in both countries.

"One of the characteristics and prominent [features] of our trip was that our delegation arrived in Damascus just at the moment and location that the Americans announced the start of an attack."

"At the very moment that we met with Mr. Bashar Assad, the first thing that he said was that your arrival from Iran in fact was clearly challenging an American attack. Mr. Assad thanked us profusely for our presence and expressed appreciation for the Islamic Republic's resolute defense of the nation of Syria."

"A prominent point from this trip was that, in every meeting we had with Syrian officials, we observed the extraordinary defense and military preparedness in the comments we heard from them [in these meetings]."

"The analysis of Syria's enemies is that the military of this country has completely lost its capabilities in the past two years and does not have the capability to respond. This is one of the reasons that Global Arrogance, by relying on this [analysis], intends to attack Syria, but Mr. Bashar Assad spoke of the high-level of preparedness of the [Syrian] army. We did not see any worry from Mr. Assad over an American attack. We also did not see shaken spirits in the Syrian officials in any of the meetings we had, and this was a very interesting point for us."

"Another notable point that we observed in our trip to Lebanon was that the people of Lebanon, specifically the Shi'a, have supported the presence of Hezbollah on the scenes of combat. Although some of Lebanon's officials are worried about this issue, the Lebanese people have expressed happiness over Hezbollah historically providing deterrent power in Syria."

"Of course Hezbollah has had martyrs in Syria, which they have publicly buried, and pictures, posters and banners of these martyrs have been put up in the city."

"In the meetings that we had it was announced the Saudis have made available to Obama 100 per cent of the cost of an attack on Syria and that Obama has taken the money, and they still have not pursued an opportunity to spend it."

 

Senior Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Supreme Leader Ali Akbar Velayati:

"Syria has not stood against the occupiers of Palestine needlessly, and it will continue to resist. We have known that Syria resists against these conspiracies but the West did not know, and their many failures in the region are the cause of their lack of understanding of conditions."

"The government of Syria has not just been successful inside of the country, where it has completely protected its sovereignty against foreign actors and extremists; rather, it has also been victorious on the international scene against the U.S. and Zionist regime."

Referring to "the European Union's opposition" to an American intervention in Syria: "That the G20 meeting isolated the U.S. and some of its allies is an international victory for Syria and its allies, and we are certain that Syria's victories will continue and this country with Arab-Islamic roots will remain stable and all of its sovereignty will be protected."

"We are certain that Syria will remain as one of the reliable and important links in the chain of resistance against the Zionist regime and its supporters."

Referring to Syria's "past two years of resistance": "This resistance has also caused Russia to also be encouraged to support and has been prepared for standing against America in the world's most important region, meaning the Middle East, and revive their role in this period. Today we also see that Russia stood against America at the G20 meeting."

 

Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani:

"It is possible that beginning this work [deciding to attack Syria] is simple but its ending will be hellish.... War in Syria will cause problems in various respects for the West."

Responding to comments by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that the Syrian opposition "are not terrorists": "It is unfortunate that [he] says and has said, completely contrarily, that they are not terrorists.... If his analysis of members in Syria is this simplistic, one must weep for the management of the world, which they claim to have, because anyone that looks at events in Syria knows that these groups are terrorists and from where they are being fed."

"We believe that, of course, democracy must be implemented in Syria, but this is not accomplished with bullets and tanks, because democracy is a national desire. Democracy with bullets and tanks is not possible, whether in Syria or in Bahrain."

 

September 6, 2013

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission member and IRGC Brig. Gen. MP Mohammad Esmail Kowsari:

Reacting to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's vote to authorize a strike on Syria: “That a country’s congress votes to attack Syria along with a number of greedy countries is illegal, and we must see what role the United Nations will perform in this.”

“Such an answer from the U.S. Congress demonstrates that [they are acting unilaterally], and the United Nations must think for itself.”

“The Syrian Army has demonstrated that it can easily confront any attack or invasion and has no problems. They have shown that they can be victorious.”

“Global Arrogance [the West] with America at its center seeks to preserve Israel, and sell-out regional countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait because these countries support America’s conspiracies.”

“These countries have announced that they will pay the cost of America’s attack against Syria, and this act proves that such countries are sell-outs and will show no mercy to Muslim countries such as Syria.”

“Imam Khomeini deemed the next century as the century of Islam. It is this Islam that takes superpowers into the dirt of abjection. It is from this that Global Arrogance has become afraid of the spread of the culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom and seeks to prevent the Islamic Awakening with all possible instruments.”

 

Assembly of Experts member and Interim Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami:

“[Secretary Kerry's] big lie was denying al-Qaeda’s presence among terrorists in Syria. Who has not seen their crimes and does not know that al-Qaeda executes America’s orders?”

“Humanity and the U.S. government are two opposite poles, because [the U.S.'s] life has been associated with savagery.”

“If we want to ignore religion, we must [ask] what need does a government have to launch a chemical attack when its army has forced the opposition to retreat.”

“America is seeking an excuse and has created a lie in order to attack Syria, though the Syrian people are prepared.”

 

Interim Isfahan Friday Prayer Leader Hojjat al-Eslam Mojtaba Mirdamadi:

“If you are intent upon attacking Syria by relying on some Saudi and Qatari Sheikhs, be certain that Islamic countries and Iran will not be silent and will give a strong answer.”

“America and Israel designed the greater Middle East plan before the [1979 Islamic] revolution and even set time tables. Based on this plan, Iran is also not safe, but the enemies are gravely mistaken. Be certain that the nation is resistant, relies upon God’s infinite power and has stood in the path of its religious, ethical and moral ideals and will drive America and Israel into the dirt of abjection.”

“They give Saudi-constructed chemical weapons to the terrorists, and then say that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its people and [that it] must be punished.”

“If you want Israel’s death and obliteration, enter the Syrian crisis.”

 

Head of the Basij Organization Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi:

“Syrian takfiris and protestors are seeking Syria’s destruction with Zionist support.”

“There is no opinion among the Islamic Republic of Iran's people and government other than support for [Bashar Assad].”

“It is clear who provided chemical weapons to Saddam to use against the Iranian nation and Iraqi people in Halabcheh, and Americans’ use of these weapons in Vietnam is infamous.”

“Why must a government that has acted successfully and is victorious in the field harm itself by using such weapons. It is completely clear that this was not the Syrian government’s doing.”

 

September 5, 2013

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:

“The main reason for all of these hostilities [with the Islamic Republic] is Islam.... This notion that the Islamic Awakening has been eliminated is an incorrect thought. The Islamic Awakening was not a purely political event that is eliminated with the coming or going of some individuals. Rather, the Islamic Awakening is belief in self and reliance on Islam that has expanded in Islamic societies.”

 “What we are witnessing in the region today, in reality, is the reaction of Arrogance [the West], with America at its center, to the Islamic Awakening.... The presence of Arrogance in this region is invasive, bullish, greedy and has the goal of eliminating any resistance against this presence, but the Arrogance Front has not been able to eliminate this resistance and will not be able to going forward.... In the recent Syrian [events], that began with the excuse of chemical weapons, this is also the goal. But the Americans try to pretend with their rhetoric that they have entered into the matter with a humanitarian goal.”

 “The Americans currently claim [to promote] humanitarian issues, [but] in their record exists the prisons of Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, silence against Saddam’s use of chemical weapons in Halabcheh and Iranian cities, and the massacre of the innocent Afghan, Pakistan and Iraqi people.... No one in the world believes that the Americans are pursuing humanitarianism.”

 “We believe that the Americans are committing a mistake in Syria, and on this basis they will feel the inflicted impact and will certainly be harmed.”

 

Assembly of Experts First Vice-Chairman Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi:

“The events in Syria are bitter and, God willing, God will aid the Syrian people so that they can persevere against the threats of superpowers and the Quds occupying regime. We hope that it turns out in this way and ends to the detriment of the superpowers and the occupying regime.”

 

Former IRGC Commander and Expediency Council Secretary Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei:

"If American officials attack Syria, they will have committed a big gamble. Many international wars began from a small event, but after it begins, it gets out of control…. If a war occurs in Syria, it will be limited but its challenges will endure for years."

 

Head of the Basij Organization Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi:

"The first goal of today’s fire fanning in the region is saving the Zionist regime from the siege of the Islamic Awakening and from total destruction…. Today, Arrogance is confronting the introduction of Islamic Iran as a model for humanity, and this is the second goal of the Zionist regime.”

 

September 4, 2013

President Hassan Rouhani:

"Our region has suffered from serious crises and is placed in sensitive circumstances, and this is evident in the consummate example of this today in Syria."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is charged with a very important responsibility  [in seeing] a stable and secure Syria.... Unfortunately, the West, which has excuses for attacking Syria, is currently faced with difficulties; Today, the closest [ally] of the United States, meaning Britain, is encountering problems in its Parliament because it has seen the consequences of war in this region, and they know that its effects are very destructive for the world's nations."

"America has consulted its congress regarding this measure against Syria. This means that America does not have international legitimacy from the United Nations or Security Council or [the support of] public opinion for this measure. From another perspective, they are also experiencing domestic problems."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has undertaken every humanitarian effort for the people of Syria and will continue to do so. We have implemented every measure that has been required to fulfill our commitment to securing regional security and will continue to do so. And Iran knows what problems beginning a war and attacking Syria will create in the region; therefore, in recent days we have undertaken every political and international measure of our own and will continue to do so."

"Of course, if problems arise for the people of Syria, the Islamic Republic of Iran will fulfill its humanitarian and religious duty by providing help with food and medicine for the people of Syria."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, just as it has announced before [these events], will consider any measure against Syria as not just costly for the region, but costly for the friends of America as well. and also believes that this [attack] will have no benefit for anyone."

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission (NSFP) Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi:

Boroujerdi had just returned after leading a delegation to Syria and Lebanon. This delegation met with senior Syrian and Lebanese officials, including President Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.

“We recently travelled to Syria and Lebanon on behalf of the Parliament, specifically the [NSFP], with attention to regional sensitivities and recent American threats, to announce to the entire world Iran’s opposition to war in Syria,”

“Regarding the ominous phenomenon of terrorists using chemical weapons, this is a dangerous phenomenon in the world, and we consider condemning this event as our duty.”

“The reality in Syria is much different than the narrative portrayed in global media. The people are continuing their normal living and the Resistance is resolute in its decisions. Also, Mr. Bashar Assad’s spirit is very high and despite all media-creation is resolute in his decision.”

“With attention [to the fact] that terrorists used chemical weapons several months ago, and [Iran's] representative to the United Nations explained this matter, no reactions occurred from the Westerners. This shows that America’s current position is only a political one.”

“The region’s environment is very inflammatory, and if any war occurs, its dimensions are neither in the control of America nor the Zionist regime. Especially since the Zionist regime’s geographic situation is such that, if these missiles are launched, its atomic center and petrochemical factories will be hit [and] a human catastrophe will occur in the region. We hope that such mistakes are not made.”

“In any case, in today’s developments, a positive trend has taken shape in the world in Syria’s favor. England, Italy, Germany and Canada plainly announced their opposition to going to war. Even the Pope requested that all Christians fast for peace in Syria. All of these interpretations demonstrate a global trend which is not in America’s favor.”

“The Syrian government was awaiting such a measure from Iran [the NSFP's travel to Syria] because Iran opposed a military solution from the beginning of the Syrian crisis and believes in a political solution for this country.”

“In Lebanon, we met with the group known as the March 14th coalition, who are part of the Syrian government opposition, [and] they are also opposed to war in the region.”

“The Americans announced that they do not intend on overthrowing the Assad regime, which demonstrates their doubt towards war.  In reality, recent instigations only stem from the pressures of the Zionist regime and some Arab countries.”

 

Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Suleimani:

An unnamed Assembly of Experts member claimed to paraphrase remarks on Syria by Suleimani, who reportedly addressed the Fourteenth Leadership Experts Assembly on September 3. See Critical Threats Project Analyst Will Fulton's take on why there is uncertainty over whether Suleimani was, in fact, present at this event.

"Some criticize why we support Syria so much; [one] must respond to them that we do not pay attention to enemy propaganda because Syria has been the front line of Resistance and this reality is undeniable. We have a duty to support Muslims because they are under pressure and oppression."

"Maj. Gen. Suleimani explained that in the case of an attack on Syria, seven countries, meaning Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, France, England, America and Israel, are at the front line, and they truly believe in Bashar Assad's fall."

"[Suleimani] explained that, currently, Zionist regime leaders and some regional countries have a strange insistence for Bashar to step down, and even say that if al-Qaeda comes [to power] it will be better than Bashar."

"Referring to the fact that, after Gaddafi's fall, one of the Persian Gulf countries invested $4 billion in Libya so that Iran would not have influence there, Suleimani said: Currently, some Persian Gulf countries have placed Iranophobia on their agenda and this is their first priority."

"The Quds Force Commander pointed to the discussion of a Shi'a and Sunni war and affirmed that some regional countries are afraid of Iranian influence in Islamic countries. In this regard, Qatar has spent $12 billion in Syria, but [one] must say that regardless, Iran has a good position in Islamic countries. When Saddam fell, discussions took place with various individuals to manage this country, but with respect to the Shi'a majority in Iraq and Iranian influence, America was unable to reach its goal."

"Maj. Gen. Suleimani explained that 95% of those who are fighting in Syria have entered from abroad and their loaders are [outside of Syria]. The remaining 5% are Army deserters that have formed the Free [Syrian]Army, and some Syrian Salafists are also part of this 5%.

"Maj. Gen. Suleimani said that Jubhat al-Nusrah has become a party of various countries that does some very savage acts; some of them are so heinous that they cannot be said aloud, to such an extent that some of Assad's opponents said [that] if elections take place they will vote for Bashar and they believe that he is more democratic than Jubhat al-Nusrah. Iraqi Sunni ulama and clergy are killed by al-Qaeda so that they can implement a Shi'a and Sunni war."

"In attacking Syria, America tested various methods to overthrow Bashar. Political pressure and al-Qaeda's entrance, for example, and the latest excuse has been using chemical weapons, which did not achieve any results in this matter."

"Maj. Gen. Suleimani reminded us that America does not seek democracy in Egypt, human rights in Syria nor  is it concerned about the nuclear discussion in Iran. Rather, their main goal is to break the line of Resistance. We will support Syria until the end, and, currently, the Syrian matter has become a matter of prestige for America. It has struggled with this and now wants to appears successful just in appearance."

 

MP Ali Motahari:

Motahhari was reacting to alleged remarks by former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who reportedly said that the Syrian government was responsible for the August 21, 2013 chemical weapons attack.

“I have seen that speech’s video and certainly the video cannot be manufactured. Of course Hashemi said those words and it is his opinion... Perhaps Mr. Hashemi views the country’s expediency [in making these statments], but overall [one] must request explanation from him to plainly announce his opinion.”

“Some have said that Mr. Hashemi’s statements are a cooperation of sorts with America, while it is not like this at all because Mr. Hashemi condemns America. Perhaps Mr. Hashemi’s opinion is that, if the Syrian government used chemical weapons, we condemn these measures but will not stop supporting Syria.”

“So long as the majority of the Syrian people support the government, we will also support them. Supporting Syria is very important for Iran because they are the Axis of Resistance, and if they are eliminated, [Lebanese] Hezbollah will no longer be effective.”

“The Syrian government must implement the necessary reforms. If from the beginning, it did not exhibit violence in reacting to the protests of a section of the people, we would not have reached the current point. But overall we considered the Assad government acceptable to the majority, therefore we support them.”

 

MP and former IRGC commander Ali Reza Zakani:

Reacting to Rafsanjani’s chemical weapons statements: “We are impatiently awaiting Mr. Hashemi’s denial and plainly and correctly announcing his position. We also request the Ministry of Intelligence to investigate this matter and report the truth to the people. If this tape is real ... [it means] that he seeks to weaken the Resistance Front against the Dominant system, which of course is untrue in my opinion.”

 

Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan:

Asked whether Iran would provide special equipment to the Assad regime in the event of a U.S. strike: “The Syrian Army and nation possess the necessary equipment to defend themselves.”

“America’s attack on Syria will have unpleasant consequences for the region, which is to their detriment and can expand the crisis to the entire region.”

“Another reason which will prevent an American attack on Syria and cause them serious doubts is their unpleasant experiences in attacking Iraq and Afghanistan.”

 

September 3, 2013

Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Suleimani:

Suleimani addressed the 14th Assembly of Experts meeting in Tehran. His remarks have not been released to the public; however, Suleimani was scheduled to discuss Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon. According to Assembly of Experts member Ayatollah Hassan Mamdouhi, Suleimani provided good details regarding Syria and Lebanon, [and said] regarding conditions in Syria that the people of this country are victorious against America, and Syria is successful.”

 

IRGC Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami:

Salami spoke at the "Syria: Bastion of Resistance" conference in Tehran, attended by Syria's ambassador to Iran and other Syrian diplomatic personnel. IRGC Mohammad Rasoul-Allah (Greater Tehran) unit commander Brig. Gen. Mohsen Kazemeini and Deputy Commander Ahmad Zolghadr also attended. IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari was scheduled to attend, but there are no reports indicating he spoke at or attended this event.

“We are on the verge of a strategic turning point for this region’s future, and in a sense, for the world of Islam”

“What we are witnessing today is the result of compounded defeats of America and its Western and regional allies and is the continuance of the strategy of the previous three decades.”“Naturally, the region that became known as the Middle East or the world of Islam and in more accurate literature as Western Asia possesses four key matters that the strategy of the Dominant System and especially America has formed around the axis of these four matters and is currently in effect.”

“These four matters are Islam, energy, geopolitics and Zionist regime security, or in total the security of systems united with America and dependent upon it within the Islamic World.”

“The reflection of these defeats caused America to attempt to penetrate the center of gravity of the Islamic resistance, meaning Syria.”

 “Syria is a country that, as the main base of Resistance, has been placed in danger of security, political and military invasions. Of course the resistance of the Syrian people, Army and system during the past three years is commendable.”

“We tell strategy decision-makers and national security staff in America and countries and governments that have decided to aid them in the future potential invasion that this game is very dangerous. The solution to resolve  the Syrian crisis is not a military one and the Zionist regime must reconsider its security formulas.”

“In the two weeks that America has allowed itself, it should consider that war activates energy and  will increase the spirit of jihad among Muslims.”

 

Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani:

“Some capricious regional countries are creating a slippery slope, and by stepping on it the Americans will fall into a swamp. Of course, it seems that the Americans have the background for this measure.”

“One of today’s regional issues is that the Americans create turbulence but do not have the power to control it, and if there is a military attack against Syria, this matter will repeat in that country.”

“It is possible that some differences exist in Syria, but if the Americans enter this country, the oath of the Syrians' fraternity will unite them, and from this, many issues will be created for the Americans.”

 

Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan:

“The American armed forces do not currently possess the necessary operational capability to use military forces and create a strategic balance in Syria. Therefore, it is attempting to rebuild the collapsed terrorists’ morale and weaken the operational power of the Syrian Armed Forces with limited attacks in order to return operational balance to the benefit of the takfiri opposition.”

“Certainly, the strengthening and support of terrorists will be followed by their viral expansion in all political arenas and [will have] negative and unpredictable effects on global security.”

 “The threat of a military attack over the excuse of chemical weapons being used in Syria is introduced when this country practically created the circumstances for conducting chemical attacks in Syria by disregarding Iran’s warning eight months ago about the entrance of a Sarin gas shipment into Syria.”

“Deferring to Congress to issue permission for a military attack against Syria demonstrates that the rulers of this country, who are placed under the pressure of Zionist lobbyists to attack Syria, are seeking to transfer the negative weight and widespread expenses of this decision to the rest of America's decision-making institutions.”

“Spreading the seeds of warmongering and violence never lead to the germination of the seedlings of peace and stable security.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary (NSFP) Commission Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi:

Boroujerdi met with Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and other Lebanese officials.

During a meeting with Nasrallah, Boroujerdi said, "Before making any irrational decisions, America must understand global messages and use the present opportunity to save itself and its allies from this dangerous abyss.”

Nasrallah reportedly stated,  "America’s loneliness in implementing its unconsidered threats against Syria demonstrates that the world does not accept the American-Zionist irrational justification.”

The remaining comments were made by Boroujerdi during a meeting with Head of the Lebanese Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission MP Abdol Latif al-Zin.

“We are concerned about a military invasion against Syria and the continuous effect of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon. Currently, more than 1 million displaced Syrians have come to Lebanon and  this number has increased the Lebanese population by 50% which has its own needs and social consequences.”

“The American threat against Syria can cause the expansion of the fire of the Syrian crisis to other regional countries, including Lebanon.”

 

MP Hossein Ali Haji Deligani:

“I advise the American Congress to think rationally and not fall into the trap of global Zionism, and to not create another Vietnam for America.”

“All of the world’s free thinkers know that the matter of the chemical attack in Syria is a scenario which America and the Zionists designed and they placed these weapons into the hands of the Syrian opposition in order to seek war today.”

 

September 2, 2013

MP Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani:

“These days, blackmail propaganda without Security Council approval and unilaterally from war-prone America has begun. Apparently, every US President  throughout history has committed to attacking various countries. It wants to implement the plans of attacking Syria, which are a long time in the making, with its direct stewardship. So it can perhaps compensate for the defeat of its mercenary countries that have been fighting at its behest for three years without any results and stop the Syrian Army that is achieving victory day by day.”

“Due to the opposition of global public opinion and lack of his allies’ reception, Obama stated that he will implement a limited operation. [He] must know that such a limited operation, even if it is to be done with the firing of missiles, each missile is a match to the powder keg of the entire region and seriously endangers its dependent Arab governments, interests, bases and, most importantly its illegal child, meaning the Zionist regime.”

“Meanwhile, Obama announced the attack on Syria as a threatening message for Iran and said that this measure has a message beyond chemical weapons and for countries that ridicule international law and seek to build atomic weapons.”

“Obama must know that any measure against Islamic Iran, not only will destroy the interests of its allies and friends in the region, but its shrapnel will hit him, his family and even his dog in the White House.”

 

September 1, 2013

Head of Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Commission Hojjat al-Eslam Vahid Ahmadi:

“Recently, the Americans have implemented a media campaign citing the use of chemical weapons as an excuse  to attack Syria. [I]t is a matter that is more a psychological and media warfare, in order to further review this matter [one] must attentively analyze matters of  the previous months.”

“In holding the Geneva 2 conference, a plan was designed so this conference is held with a delay, for the reason that the Westerners, especially the Americans, wanted the opposition and terrorists to have an advantage in military operations. Westerners even announced that they have supported terrorists and are giving them new weapons.”

“With this goal, the Americans have aided the terrorists and the opposition so they are placed against the Syrian government in the military scene, which they were unable to reach their goal. The opposition even lost the positions that it had and the Syrian government was able to save some regional parts from the hands of terrorists.”

“In circumstances when the Army is advancing and securing its strategic positions, there is no reason for it to use chemical weapons against its own people. This demonstrates this matter that chemical weapons were used by terrorists with the guidance of Westerners, so they can create a psychological environment in the world.”

“The Americans planned with this goal, that if they can sway global public opinion towards their interests, they can attack Syria. If this matter did not occur, by creating this psychological environment, they could create circumstances that the Syrian government progresses slowly in its advancements, which they were successful to some extent in this matter.”

“The Syrian Army’s progress has slowed, because the Syrian Army’s attention is gravitated towards the discussions of attack. Regardless, the Americans were unable to attract global public opinion to attack Syria. For example, the British Parliament’s opposition to the proposition of the Prime Minister to attack Syria, which is considered an unprecedented matter in England.”

“The series of evidence demonstrates that the matter of attacking Syria is only psychological warfare.”

In order to attack Syria, the United States must answer three questions: “First that the time of war must be clear. Perhaps America can be the beginner but certainly its end is not determined by America and there is ambiguity.”

“The second question is what result could America get from war with Syria. Perhaps they want to attack some Syrian areas from ships, for example, and harm some part of the country but naturally it will have no results for them.”

“The third question is that the costs that America expends in this war must be clear. America is facing a [serious] economic situation and naturally war will be very costly. All of these dimensions demonstrate the ambiguities surrounding America’s attack to Syria, and its result is that these matters are only at the level of psychological warfare.”

“It has been more than sixty years that international Zionism, America and many countries have supported the  illegal born [entity] named Israel. [They] kill people, start many wars and support attacks. In this matter, attack and war with Syria will not be limited to America [and] will spread too many countries and place Israel’s existence in serious jeopardy.”

 

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif:

Asked about President Obama's decision to seek permission from Congress to attack Syria, "The U.S. Congress cannot give permission to attack, and this attack is prohibited under international law.... Only the United Nations Security Council under certain circumstances can give permission for a collective measure under UN charter chapter 7, which requires a UNSC resolution. Therefore, Mr. Obama cannot interpret international law to fit his own demands."

"Separate from the legal discussion, use of force in the region will fan the flames, which are difficult to extinguish."

"It is advisable that Mr. Obama make use of the opportunity of these several days and reconsider his position. Warmongering will benefit no one."

 

Deputy Representative of the Supreme Leader to the IRGC Hojjat al-Eslam Abdollah Haji Sadeghi:

"The [Syria crisis] has shown the stupidity of America's leaders, because the Americans attacked both Iraq and Afghanistan and neither gave results."

"The Americans currently want to attack Syria, which has demonstrated its resistance and steadfastness for more than two years. Therefore, the US measure for attacking Syria is considered idiotic and dangerous."

"The US has accepted failure in Syria, and American leaders have said that the US has been unable to achieve anything with the line it has followed."

"The thing that they fear most is not just one country's armed forces' movement, but rather, a people's uprising. They have witnessed a widespread people's uprising against them and they want to create circumstances in which they can exit this propaganda situation."

"The primary point of discussion is that the Europeans and some other Western countries have announced their own absolution, and have said 'we do not accept what the US is doing.'"

"Hezbollah has said 'if such an offensive is taken by the Americans, US and [Israeli] forces will come under attack.'"

"I imagine that, perhaps, this American measure will provide an opportunity for the abject and corrupt regime in the region to be eradicated and for Muslims to unify in response to this movement."

 

August 31, 2013

IRGC Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Qom Province Commander Brig. Gen. Mehdi Mahdavi Nejad:

“Certainly in case of war in the Middle East, the Resistance Front [Iran, Syria, Hezbollah] will be this battle’s victor.”

“Since 2011, America and Israel have sought to destroy the Syrian government, due to this country’s support of the Resistance Front. Despite all the material and spiritual support to the government opposition groups, they have been unable to reach their goals.”

“They are also seeking to transform a proxy war into a direct war, and they introduced the discussion of the massacre of the Syrian people with chemical weapons for this reason.”

“Those who beat the drums of war today [should] know that if fire reaches the powder keg, the wave of its explosion will certainly reach their country and they will not be immune from the destructive wave.”

“Due to not having popular support, Saddam lost in the war with America and despite having a formidable army it did not resist against its master.”

“The Syrian government and Bashar Assad, by having popular support and thousands of popular force combatants, can break the attack of Arrogance [West] and humiliate America in the world.”

“Surely after this event, Imam Khomeini’s saying, ‘America, your drum is empty,’ will be revealed.” [America will be revealed to have no credibility]

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission (NSFP) Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi:

 

Boroujerdi arrived in Damascus on August 31, leading a parliamentary delegation scheduled to meet with senior Syrian officials, including President Bashar al-Assad. Boroujerdi is accompanied by fellow NSFP members Fathallah Hosseini and Javad Karimi Qadousi, both former IRGC commanders.

 

"This trip is another opportunity for announcing Iran's continuous support of the axis of resistance and for the friend and brother country of Syria."

 

"As representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran we again inform Syria's officials and the world of our opposition to any type of attack or war against Syria."

 

"This parliamentary delegation, as representatives of the great nation of Iran, condemns the chemical attack against the innocent Syrian people."

 

"Last year we officially announced to the Americans that, based on our intelligence, terrorist groups had come into possession of chemical weapons, but, unfortunately, they did not heed this important warning from Iran."

 

"Any type of military attack on Syria will expand beyond the borders of Syria."                               

 

 

Head of the Basij Organization Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi:

 

"The Americans intended to impact the resistance in Syria under the false pretense of chemical weapons, but the principal intent of this adventure is for America to dominate the world."

 

"If the US invaded Iraq with delusional charges and lies of an atomic bomb, why are they not opposed to the 200 nuclear bombs that are in occupied Palestine. They show that their goal has not been fighting terrorism, rather, their goal is bullying, plundering the capital of nations, and defending the Zionist regime."

 

"If Syria is attacked, there is no need for Iran's Basij because the Syrian resistance will suffice. Just as during the eight-day, 22-day, and 33-day wars when we observed the Israeli regime's appeal for the end of the war, which was against the very limited equipment of small groups in Gaza and Lebanon. Against Syria's weapons, how much will they plead, and if rationality remains for them, they will think of the consequences for themselves."

 

"An attack on Syria will make liberating Palestine easier, because, due to international considerations, the nation of Iran and the nations of resistance do not act, but these illegal assaults will cause these considerations to be ignored and there will be more responses against America."

 

 

Expediency Discernment Council member Morteza Nabavi:

 

"The US and West are seeking to strike Syria with a missile attack, but an attack on Syria is not comparable to Iraq and Afghanistan."

 

"Syria's role in support Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestine is not a secret to anyone. Syria is also important for Iran and Russia, and if a US attack occurs, Russian ships will answer this country with strikes."

 

Referring to the victory of Assad regime forces and Lebanese Hezbollah in al-Qusayr: "New basiji [paramilitaries] have received training from the Syrian forces, and this has played an important role for victories of the Syrian government in fighting with Takfiri and Salafi forces."

 

 

MP Ali Reza Khosravi:

 

"The Quds occupying regime, with the support of the criminal Americans, want to aim at the forehead of the resistance with an attack on Syria. Breaking the frontline of the resistance will bring them to their own grave."

 

"If Israel and the US make a stupid move in Syria, it will be transformed into a graveyard for them, and they will certainly regret a military attack."

 

"If war occurs in Syria, Iran will place raining missiles down on the opponents on our agenda, but it is possible that these missiles will mistakenly destroy Israel, and mistakes in targeting are natural! And it is possible that the factor of mistakes in this battle will increase."

 

"Before American soldiers and mercenaries enter into Syria they should order their tombstones. Syria will be transformed into a graveyard for Americans."

 

 

IRGC Commander MG Mohammad Ali Jafari:

"Revealing the White House leaders' signs of failure in building a coalition for launching a new war in the region has forced the Americans to limit their stance on an intervention and attack on Syria."

"War and insecurity are fluid and uncontrollable phenomena. War next to the Zionist regime has the potential to escalate and transfer events toward this regime."

"Just as the American interventions in the Muslim world until today have led to the expansion of extremism, violence, and terrorism, an invasion of Syria will also escalate to an expansion of extremism. And like Afghanistan and Iraq, innocent people will not be without pain, suffering, and death."

Jafari made his remarks on the sidelines of a Supreme National Security Council meeting. The Supreme National Security Council is Iran's highest security decision-making organization, and Jafari is a member. 

 

August 30, 2013

Representative of the Supreme Leader to the IRGC Quds Force Hojjat al-Eslam Ali Shirazi:

"I know it is unlikely the Americans want to enter into a long-term war in Syria."

"If the Americans attack Syria, the Muslim people and ummat will not sit quietly.... If they undertake this action, not only will the Muslims and ummat enter the scene, but the Syrian army is able to endanger the Israeli regime on its own."

"It is the duty of every Muslim to bring all their power to bear in order to prevent this move."

Shirazi made his comments on the sidelines of the seventh day morning ceremony for IRGC Captain Ali Zadeh Akbar, who was killed in Syria last week.

 

Armed Forces General Staff Khatam ol-Anbia Passive Defense Base Inspection Deputy IRGC Brig. Gen. Mohammad Jafar Assadi

“The Supreme Leader has said that we are not warmongers like the leaders in the United States, but if the nation’s honor and pride and national interest are tread upon, all of the Iranian officials, in contrast to the American leadership, are willing to sacrifice. If the bitter experience comes for the country, I myself will put on the soldier’s uniform…. It is possible that they [the US and France] will target various sites in Syria, but they must know that they will receive a jaw-shattering response…. [Iraq and Libya] were not supported by the velayat-e faghih and Islamic Republic. Their neighbors were not Hezbollah. But Syrian officials are fully backed by Iran, and specifically, the velayat-e faghih.”

 

Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff MG Hassan Firouzabadi:

“Talk of an American attack against Syria can bring about massive problems for the rest of power from all sides.”

“America, who after September 11 militarily invaded regional countries with the big lie of ‘fighting al-Qaeda,’ fights in favor of al-Qaeda in Syria.”

“As the main instigator of such operations, the Zionists face revenge attacks. With an American attack to Syria, Russia will lose the rear of the Caucasus’ defense front and Moscow must defend itself in the near future.”

“Regional countries that support this oppressive war will face serious losses.”

“The American people will notice that the excuse of the White House in warmongering in the name of al-Qaeda is a ‘big lie’ from the rulers of the United States to the American nations.”

 

Representative of the Supreme Leader in the Martyrs Foundation Hojjat al-Eslam Mohammad Hassan Rahimian:

“In Syria, they are seeking to eliminate the Axis of Resistance, but resistance against Israel will never end and Syria is an inseparable member of this axis.”

“According to narrative of the Infallibles [12 Shi’a Imams], the world’s future belongs to Islam and this Islam is neither the American nor the Salafist Islam, rather it is the pure Muhammadean Islam that will be dominant on the world.”

“Now that the terrorists were defeated in confronting the Syrian Army, their supporters seek to intervene directly, and this demonstrates the challenge of terrorists who commit crimes in the name of Islam.”

“In the course of history, the Iranian people have supported global freedom movements, and Syria is one of Iran’s friends and a member of the Axis of Resistance supported by the revolutionary and free Islamic Iran people.”

 

Representative of the Supreme Leader in Gilan Province Ayatollah Zeinel Abedin Ghorbani:

“The Islamic Republic possesses very high deterrence ability in the region and the world.”

“With American and Western military instigation in the region, we will witness Israel’s erasure and [its] strategic points will be eliminated.”

“With a war against Syria, the Middle East will be in flames.”

“If America moves to attack Syria, Haifa and Tel Aviv will be wiped out.

“Jihad is not only on the path of fighting external enemies, rather it should be the Islamic government’s agenda on the path of combating social issue, smuggling of goods and society’s instigators.”

 

Artesh Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Commander Brig. Gen. Amir Farzad Esmaili:

“The base is always 100% ready” in case of a war in Syria.

 

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi:

“Attacking Syria and other Islamic societies will end costly for America, because the solution for this matter is not war; it must be resolved through negotiations.”

 

National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary (NSFP) Commission member MP Esmail Kowsari:

“The West’s claim regarding Syria’s use of chemical weapons was to prevent the continuation of the successful measures of this country’s army and popular forces.”

“With recent successes, Syria does not need to use chemical weapons and ammunition, and this claim from the West is merely psychological warfare and is a trick that was introduced together with the United Nations.”

  “America does not dare nor have the capability to attack Syria. Although it may perhaps be able to begin a war in a limited fashion, a possibility that is also unlikely, it will certainly not be the determinant of the war’s end.”

“Any measures based on attacking Syria will bring the occupying Zionist regime and Western-supported Arab countries faster to their deaths, so they do not commit such acts easily.”

 

Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani:

“It is impossible for the Americans to prepare themselves in a span of a few days for military operations in Syria. They began their work from several months ago, and this measures was designed earlier just like the 33 Day War [2006 Israel-Hezbollah War].”

“The Americans’ encounter regarding Syria is interesting. They say ‘we have discovered, based on technical documents, that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons, and for this reason we do not need permission from the United Nations to attack Syria.’ This saying demonstrates that they consider themselves the world’s policeman.”

“They seek to confront the emerged Islamic Awakening and the Resistance, disrupt the base of Resistance in Syria, and begin their military operations with pre-planned coordination.”

 

Interim Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Kazem Sedighi:

“Today, the Americans are intent on attacking Syria based on the excuse of the existence of chemical weapons. Of course, everyone remembers that they marched to Afghanistan based on a vague excuse and attacked Iraq on the same excuse of chemical weapons.”

In the end, it was these Americans who abjectly left this country’s soil.”

“Today, the American government and officials have become so abject that they have become ensnared in Israel's rotten rope. Entering [this conflict] is in their own hands but exiting from it is not in their power.”

“If an attack takes place, the Syrians will tolerate it and will ultimately rub America’s nose on the ground.”

 

Shiraz Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Asadollah Imani:

“The result of America and its allies attacking Syria will be the breaking and destruction of their glass castle that is the usurper Israel.”

“The glass castle of America and its allies broke with the stone of one Palestinian youth, woe when thousands of youths ready to sacrifice for Syria target it.”

“The West may begin the war, but without a doubt it will not affect its end and will not understand it.”

 

Mashhad Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda:

“They themselves provide chemical weapons to terrorists and then use this as a claim for attacking innocent people.”

“[If we show] any leniency or softness toward [the West], it is certain that, not only will their crimes not decrease, we will actually suffer more strikes and their crimes will intensify.”

 

Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan:

“The Islamic Republic of Iran views the regional developments and the current crisis in the friendly and brotherly Syrian country with attention and sensitivity.”

“The main loser of any war will be the instigator.”

Criminal terrorists, in order to gather more regional and extra-regional support, attempt to distract global public opinion from their recent miserable defeats and justify continuing their crimes by using chemical weapons and killing Syria’s women, children and innocent people,.”

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif:

“The world cannot tolerate that one or several countries are judge, jury and executioner and act based on their interests and not on reality. They themselves will face danger from end of this matter.”

“But it seems that public opinion, even in the West, is not ready to enter war. A sign of that is in the English Parliament and we see other signs from American public opinion polls.”

“If they want to be serious, war is not the solution to anything and we must encourage all sides to peaceful resolution.”

“In discussions that I had with Foreign Ministers, all of them concurred that something must done that prevents the intensification of conflict in Syria and guide it towards negotiations. Although unfortunately, they provided viewpoints that [emphasize] the necessity of responding to what they claim was chemical weapons usage was from the Syrian government. We have notified them that first the truth must be determined and all evidence be seen.”

“I will not talk about [Iranian] reactions. All of our attempts in this field are to prevent war, because when war takes place in the region the circumstances will become very dangerous for everyone. We hope that wisdom prevails and war in the region is prevented.”

Facebook page: “Are ‘all options on the table’ actually like the Americans say? Meaning any country that has power has the choice to threaten military attack? Or is it that using and threating to use force has become the basis and norms of the new international rights?

 

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Qazanfar Rokn Abadi:

“The possibility of war against Syria has slightly reduced, but the possibility still exists.”

“We are waiting to see what happens, and Iran is prepared for all possibilities.”

 

Head of the NSFP Commission MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi:

“It seems that America is intent upon repeating the work of the Zionist regime in a way, and like kids who cannot do anything and throw stones from afar, they send a few missiles towards Syria.”

“America, West and its regional allies are currently in a prestige crisis, because they had announced to the world and public opinion that ‘we will resolve the Syrian matter in a few months.’”

“This is the third year that we are witnessing crisis and imposed war in Syria and its matter has not been resolved. Americans and the West, in order to repair their lost prestige, are seeking to throw a few stones towards Syria like kids who have lost in a game.”

“If America seeks to attack Syria militarily, certainly the security of the Zionists will be seriously threatened.”

 

Assembly of Experts member Ayatollah Mohsen Mojtahed Shabestari:

“In case of war’s commencement in Syria, this country will turn into a graveyard for America and Israeli forces.”

“America seeks war to preserve the Zionist regime, but before any action it [should] know that in case of invading Syria, Tel Aviv and the Zionist regime [are done].”

 

August 29, 2013

President Hassan Rouhani:

“If a quick judgment takes place before the nature of a matter is clarified, it can be dangerous.”

“Syria has [such] a sensitive and strategic position that any military invasion against it causes instability in the entire Middle East region.”

“Without a doubt, military attack against Syria will endanger all measures that peace-loving nations were seeking to fulfill.”

“I believe that since the Syrian government has achieved victories in conflicts, Western countries used recent events as an excuse to create a situation [so] that this government possesses weak position in future negotiations.”

“Since military measures will have heavy costs for the region, it is necessary for all measures to prevent it [from] happen[ing], and the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely ready to cooperate widely with the Russian government.”

“Iran is interested in increasing consultations and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially regarding the issue of Syria.” 

 

IRGC Commander MG Mohammad Ali Jafari:

“During the past few years, the American government and some of its allies sought to damage the line of resistance in the region by totally supporting and arming terrorists with various weapons. Currently, it seems that after the miserable defeat of the terrorists’ proxy war by the resistant Syrian nation, they have turned to direct military threat.”

“Despite the numerous bitter experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Americans, in case of a military measure against Syria, will complete the domino of their failure and will experience the most shameful historical defeat. Syria will turn into a field of slaughter and a fiasco much more dangerous than Vietnam, and in reality will turn to a second Vietnam for America.”

“The Zionists must know that America’s military attack against Syria will not only not save this imposter regime from the claw of resistance, but rather, that an attack against Syria means Israel’s imminent destruction.”

“The world’s people, especially regional Muslims, have not forgotten America’s false excuse for [its] military attack against Iraq. [It was] there that America attacked this country with the claim of the existence of weapons of mass destruction, and after years of military presence and massacre of thousands of Iraqi civilians and innocents, it announced that it had committed a mistake in its intelligence assessment and such weapons did not have external existence in Iraq. In the end, it was forced to apologize to global public opinion.”

“Some regional governments and reactionary Arab regimes that are supporting a military attack against Syria must also know that the fire of this war-seeking will not be limited to Syria and will spread to all warmongers and their supporters.”

 

Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff MG Hassan Firouzabadi:

“Any new operations in the region will be very destructive and will profit no one except the Zionists’ satisfaction, and this large damage will be on human society, and its domain will not be limited to Muslims’ society.”

“Intellectuals and thinkers of America and the world, in reality, must seek the solutions for the great problems that American rulers have imposed on global society.”

“America, England and the rest of their cooperators will see harm in marching to the region and Syria.” 

 

Representative of the Supreme Leader in Khuzestan Province Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Mousavi Jazayeri:

“By implementing these threats, in addition to occupying Syria, the enemy's goal is attacking Iran and Iraq. If divine fate wills it, we will come to the field with [our] lives and hearts.”

“In the case of an attack against Syria, we will all set foot on the field as a small soldier, so we give our religion to the Islamic religion like this.” 

 

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif:

“No country has been a victim of these types of weapons like the Islamic Republic of Iran, and from this aspect we condemn using chemical weapons by anyone, no matter who they are. [We] request United Nations inspectors to implement a comprehensive investigation without any pre-judgment toward this painful measure.”

“The results of these investigations require more research by United Nation inspectors.”

“Preliminary review demonstrates that the materials used were hand-made and were not typical chemical bombs, and from this perspective it seems that no one should consider the Syrian government and army guilty of using chemical materials.”

“The world cannot tolerate another war. Using force in the 21st century is unacceptable and will exacerbate crises instead of reducing them.”

“The Syrian crisis does not have a military solution. Everyone must strive to pursue a political solution with the goal of returning peace to Syria. From this aspect, the Islamic Republic of Iran supports measures that seek to stop violence and [bring] Syrian sides to dialogue.”

 

Parliament Vice-Chairman MP Hojjat al-Eslam Mohammad Hassan Abu Torabi Fard:

“American adventurism has taken place in the region for years, but this is their weak and abject era.”

“With the victory of Palestinian revolutionary forces, strong current of Lebanese Hezbollah, the Iraqi people and regional Muslims, America is in the hardest political era and it is natural that in this era adventurisms takes place by this country.”

“Americans have continuously tasted bitter defeat in these adventurisms and today we will witness their defeat in the upcoming adventurism and the victory of the righteous current.”

 

Head of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani:

“Neither chemical bombardment nor bringing trouble to the Syrian people with the excuse for doing so are justified politically or humanely.”

 

August 28, 2013

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:

“Any intervention and war-seeking [by the United States in Syria] will be to the detriment of those who fan the flames.”

“If such measures take place, Americans will certainly be harmed, just as [they were harmed] meddling in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

“Fanning the flames is like a spark in a gunpowder container, the dimensions and outcomes will be unclear.”

“We are not at all inclined to meddle in Egypt's domestic affairs, but we have not been able to avert our eyes from the killing of the Egyptian people.”

 

President Hassan Rouhani:

 “The Middle East is not prepared to absorb a new war, and any adventurism in this dangerous region will have irreversible dangers in the region and the world and will only expand extremism and terrorism in the region.”

“As a great victim of chemical weapons, the Islamic Republic of Iran is at the forefront of confronting these types of inhuman weapons on the world stage and vehemently condemns any usage of such weapons.”

“With attention to the complex of circumstances and available information, it seems that groups are attempting to distract opinion from realities by creating a media and political furor, as has been the case with the recent use of chemical weapons in Syria, and create the groundwork to take advantage of this savage measure to impose their dangerous and short-sighted views.”

“With attention to field realities, the United Nations must review the type of hand-made weapons used and the record of transferred chemical materials to takfiri groups from outside Syria and announce the results transparently.”

“Any measures must pay attention to the region’s sensitive circumstances and end the internal war faster and prevent extremism in the region, in the framework of international laws.”

 

Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan:

"I believe the experience that the Americans had in attacking and occupying Iraq and Afghanistan will prevent them from committing another mistake and immersing themselves in another regional confrontation.”

“It is natural that the White House is making excuses in order to increase pressure on Syria using various means.”

“It is not possible that the Syrian government would use chemical weapons or other weapons of mass destruction after its recent victories in its war against terrorists.”

“These types of conspiratorial measures that are implemented by the U.S. and terrorist groups with U.S. support are unable to [help the Americans] achieve their goals, and it is unlikely that they will take military steps against [Syria].”

“If military measures are taken against Syria, the security and stability of the region will be threatened and it will definitely not be in the interest of those fanning the flames of violence."

 

Outgoing Minister of Intelligence Hojjat al-Eslam Heidar Moslehi:

“We have evidence and intelligence that demonstrate the design of the chemical attack in Syria was formed by the Americans with the cooperation of regional countries such as Turkey and Qatar, but the Arrogance media does not allow for revealing the truths. We have known since two months ago that such an event would occur. We were informed as well [as to where] this design existed, from where chemical weapons were imported and where and how they would be used.”

 

Armed Forces General Staff Basij Affairs and Defense Culture Deputy IRGC Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri:

“What is currently considered an American and English military operation against the oppressed Syrian people is a Zionist operation whose goal is the strengthening of the occupying Zionists’ morale, which is dying.”

The unreasonable rulers of America, who have taken many of that country’s people to poverty and homelessness with heavy costs, are once against seeking to impose new costs.”

“An attack against Syria is not only a measure against the oppressed Syrian Muslims, it is also a betrayal to humanity, including the people of America and West, and the outcome of such a foul measure is unpredictable.”

“Americans must set aside this idiotic pride and if they have the ability to spend, [spend it by] saving the American people.”

“In case of an anti-Syrian front military measure,the Syrian people will resist and the result of their resistance is victory, and, God Willing, the fire of this fiasco will burn the Zionists.” 

 

Head of the Basij Organization Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi:

“Today in Syria, US-supported terrorists kill people from various tribes, ethnicity and even children with chemical weapons as an excuse for America’s invasion.” 

 

MP Hojjat al-Eslam Naser Mousavi Largani:

“Regarding the region’s current situation and total media attack against the Syrian system, I warn the West, especially America and its sinister ally Israel, that Israel’s complete destruction will occur with an invasion of Syria.”

 

Ambassador to Lebanon Qazanfar Rokn Abadi:

“Policies of America and it regional allies are supporting hateful and anti-human measures of takfiri groups and creating religious sedition in the region to protect the security of the Zionist regime.”

“Completely standing alongside the anti-Zionist resistance is Iran’s permanent position.”

 

MP Habib Aghajari:

“The criminal Americans, who view their unlawful interests and those of the usurper Zionist regime as seriously threatened by the Islamic Awakening in the region and who also witness the defeat of takfiri terrorists in Syria, are seeking adventurism and attack against the Syrian country with the help of Western governments throughout the region now by implementing psychological warfare.”

“This mother of Western corruption, America, must know that if it lights the flame of war in the region, the fire will spread to them all and will hasten the time of the Zionist regime’s destruction.”

 

MP and IRGC Brig. Gen. 2nd Class Mohammad Saleh Jokar:

“Takfiri and Salafist groups, with the monetary support of Armenia, Qatar and Turkey, are seeking to massacre the Syria people, and the Americans today are seeking a military invasion in Syria by using psychological warfare and utilizing chemical weapons [provided] by their own government.”

“The recent adventurisms of America and some countries in the region, unilateral action of forces without coordination with international communities, and bombarding the Syrian country demonstrate the serious fear by America and the West of the Zionist regime’s existence being threatened and the victories of the Islamic Resistance fronts in the region.”

“The dominant-seeking America must know that this invading move will certainly smoothe the path of the Zionist regime’s destruction and strengthen the resolve of the Resistance in confronting and destroying this regime.”

 

MP Naser Soudani:

“Today, America goes to anywhere it wants to go like a wild bull and meddles in any affairs that it likes.”

“Today, the Americans are moving in the path of the Zionist regime’s interests.”

 

August 27, 2013

Head of Parliament Foreign Relations Committee MP Hojjat al-Eslam Vahid Ahmadi:

“The Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria have a strategic relationship with each other and our relations with Syria are deep and extensive.”

“After the instigations of the past few months regarding Syria, Westerners placed many weapons at the hands of the opponents so they could have a word to say in Geneva 2 after achieving some things in the field of operations. But this event did not occur, rather the army and popular forces in Syria have had very good fortunes.”

“Iran considers the conspiracy of an attack on Syria by the West a weakening of the Resistance, Palestine, Hezbollah and the Axis of Resistance countries. In the past thirty years, it has not allowed Arrogance and the Zionists to reach their goals.” 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran opposed any foreign instigation and meddling in Syrian affairs from the beginning, and at its center considers any military movement as doomed to defeat.”

 

NSFP Spokesman MP Hossein Naghavi Hosseini:

“America’s threats to attack Syria demonstrate the victory of the Syrian Army on terrorists, and if America commits to [taking] military measures against Syria, it will admit that foreign and mercenary terrorists in Syria have been defeated.”

“In case America commits to military measure against the Syrian nation, it must answer the international communities.”

“In the case of an American attack against Syria, the Syrian Army will have the right to fire at all American interests in the region.”

“Damascus will reserve the right for a total attack against the Occupied Territories [Israel].”

 

Deputy Head of the NSFP and former Quds Force officer Mansour Haghighat Pour:

“With a military attempt against Syria, America will commit a very great mistake, and this mistake will be costly for the leaders of the White House.”

“Without a doubt, the fire of war in Syria will spread to the Occupied Territories.”

“Any military measure against Syria is considered the greatest danger for the Zionist regime, and the Zionists must be aware of the consequences of an American military attack against Syria.”

“In the case of an American military attack against Syria, the raging fire of the region’s revolutionaries will [spread to] the Zionist regime.” 

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif:

“I doubt that the American government lacks tact to such an extent that it would want to enter a new war in the region or has not paid attention to the dangers of entering into such a fiasco. If rationality and reason dictate, an international consensus must be allowed to determine transparently and clearly who used these weapons and why.”

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Abbas Ali Eraghchi:

“We vehemently warn against using any military operation measures in Syria and believe that this will have dangerous consequences and serious outcomes for the region that will not be limited to Syria and will include the entire region.”

“This region, more than ever, needs peace and policies that can find political strategies for existing problems.”

“We hope there is sufficient rationality in American leaders and some European countries have made statements regarding military attack against Syria.”

“As one of the victims of chemical weapons, the Islamic Republic of Iran categorically condemns the use of these weapons.”

“If chemical attacks are in America’s interest, it has been silent and if it is not in its interest, it has sought excuses.”

 

Spokesman for the Rahrovan-e Velayat (Principlist majority Parliamentary faction) Ramezan Shojaei:

“These statements are a political and  military bluff ... [and] demonstrate that they could not reach their goals with all of their measures, therefore they seek to introduce such discussions.”

“In reality, this is a propaganda measure from the Americans.”

 

August 26, 2013

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Abbas Ali Eraghchi:

“In circumstances when the Syrian crisis is in one of its most sensitive situations and the region needs patience and peace, speaking of preparation for military attack against Syria, without Security Council agreement, is dangerous and creates tension.”

“Global public opinion has not forgotten the creation of a false atmosphere against Iraq regarding weapons of mass destruction and then a military [action] against that country.”

 

Armed Forces General Staff Basij Affairs and Defense Culture Deputy IRGC Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri:

“America knows that attacking Syria is a red line. In the case of any military intervention, irreversible outcomes will ensue.” 

 

Head of the Basij Organization Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi:

“America does not have the capability to enter a serious war.”

“America neither has the economic foundation nor the necessary military morale for intervening in Syria; of course they can test themselves.”