Iranian Defense Minister, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, rejected recent Israeli claims that it had intercepted the Karine A ship which allegedly carried Iranian arms bound for Palestinian fighters.
"This claim is like a play, staged by the racist Israeli regime, which lacks documentation," he remarked, stating, "Iran has played no role in this drama.”
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has had no military relations with (Palestinian head) Yasser Arafat and no steps have been taken by any Iranian organization for the shipment of arms to the mentioned lands," Shamkhani added.
The Defense Minister added that reports of Iran’s support for the al-Qaeda network were groundless. He attributed the publication of such reports to “Zionist propaganda.”
On the topic of the India-Pakistan conflict, Shamkhani called for both sides to exercise restraint. He added that Iran faces no threat from the situation, yet the region faces possible negative consequences should the nuclear powers enter full-scale conflict.
Shamkhani added praise for Iran’s defense capability, which has strived for self-sufficiency since foreign sanctions were imposed. (Albawaba.com)
