Iran’s President blames U.S., Israel for Iraq shrine attack

Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Feb. 23 – Iran’s hard-line President accused the United States and Israel of being behind Wednesday’s bombing of a holy Shiite Muslim shrine in the Iraqi city of Samarra.
Iran Focus

Tehran, Iran, Feb. 23 – Iran’s hard-line President accused the United States and Israel of being behind Wednesday’s bombing of a holy Shiite Muslim shrine in the Iraqi city of Samarra.

Ahmadinejad was speaking in Shahre-Kord in the south-western province of Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari on Thursday. His comments were carried by the official state news agency.

Wednesday’s blast destroyed the golden dome of the Shrine in Samarra which was at the resting place of two revered Shiite Imams. It brought about a backlash of sectarian fighting as several dozen Sunni places of worship were attacked across Iraq.

“These desperate acts [were”> planned and carried out by a group of defeated Zionists”, Ahmadinejad said.

“You must know that these acts will not save you from the anger and strength of free nations”, Ahmadinejad said in comments directed at the United States.

“We warn the arrogant powers without fear of becoming isolated in the world that you should be careful of your own isolation since the powers claiming to defend democracy have no national or international support”.