Rouhani derides failure of ‘warmongering Zionist regime’

Declaring that the nuclear deal struck by Iran with world powers meets all of Iran’s aims, President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday also derided Israel for what he called its “failed” attempts to undermine his country’s interests.

“Do not be deceived by the propaganda of the usurper Zionist regime,” Rouhani said, in a speech in which he declared that “today major world powers recognized Iran’s nuclear program.”

“The Zionist state has failed in its efforts,” he said, speaking live in a nationwide televised address.

He also tweeted: “To our neighbours: Do not be deceived by the propaganda of the warmongering Zionist regime.”

Israel’s leadership has relentlessly attacked the deal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it Tuesday as a “historic mistake.”

“Today, we are at an important juncture in the history of our country and our revolution and the situation in the region,” Rouhani said, adding that “Iran will honor the agreement, if the other sides abide by it.”

To our neighbours: Do not be deceived by the propaganda of the warmongering Zionist regime. #Iran & its power will translate into your power

— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015

Rouhani called the deal a “win-win agreement” and asserted that the sanctions regime employed against Iran was “never successful” in affecting Iran’s nuclear program. It only harmed ordinary people, he said.

“A new page has been turned and a new chapter has begun,” said Rouhani, predicting that it would mark a “starting point” for trust between Tehran and the world.

“Today, we are at an important juncture in the history of our country and our revolution and the situation in the region,” he said.

Rouhani dismissed claims that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. “Iran has never sought to manufacture a nuclear weapon and will never seek to manufacture a nuclear weapon,” he claimed. “The whole world knows very well that manufacturing a nuclear bomb … is considered forbidden.”