U.S. threats to Iran; psychological warfare- Kharrazi

1/20/2005 11:00:00 AM GMT

Iran’s Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi described the U.S. recent threats against the Islamic Republic as a psychological warfare.

Speaking to IRNA from Uganda`s capital of Kampala on Wednesday, Kharrazi said that the U.S. secretary of defense, too, has rejected the remarks.

Escalating war of words between Tehran and Washington, Kharrazi added that the enemies (the U.S.) are trying to shake Iran by getting it trapped in a psychological war, ignoring an important fact, that the Islamic Republic is intelligent and experienced enough to understand the tricks of its enemies.

“We know the enemy and his plans, but we will go on with our policies and although we do not wish to get into conflict with anyone, we will strongly defend our national interests.”

“We are not afraid of that country’s threats”, Kharrazi was quoted by IRNA news as saying.

Kharrazi, moreover, affirmed that although Iran is trying to avoid any conflict with any country, it will move forward with its own policies to defend its interests and rights.

Stressing that Iran was never deterred by any threats from the U.S., Kharrazi noted that Tehran has the might to respond to any military strike.

Earlier this week, U.S. President George W. Bush said he wouldn’t rule out military action against Iran, if it didn’t give up its nuclear ambitions and suspend its nuclear programme, Washington claims is being used as a cover for developing atomic weapons.

Iran has repeatedly denied it is seeking a nuclear weapons programme.

Commenting on President Mohammad Khatami’s tour to African a number of African nations, Kharrazi highlighted the interests these countries showed in Iran, attributing this interest to the revolutionary position of Iran and the aid it has offered to African nations to help them fight poverty and backwardness., brought to them by the colonialist countries.

He, moreover, noted that Iran shared views with many African countries regarding various key issues, including fighting unilateralism and supporting poor countries to end the backwardness.

Kharrazi hailed his country’s efforts in expanding its economic, technical and cultural ties with African states, expressing Iran’s willingness to export technological know-how to these countries.