Rafsanjani says Iran’s nuclear crisis is a “minefield” for West

Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Sep. 30 – Iran’s former President Ali-Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani angrily warned the West on Friday not to try to stop Iran in its tracks as the Islamic Republic
forges ahead with its nuclear program. Iran Focus

Tehran, Iran, Sep. 30 – Iran’s former President Ali-Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani angrily warned the West on Friday not to try to stop Iran in its tracks as the Islamic Republic forges ahead with its nuclear program.

Addressing Western governments in his Friday prayers sermon in Tehran, Ayatollah Rafsanjani, who chairs the State Expediency Council, warned, “This field is one which will not be easy for you to cross”, in an apparent reference to European threats to refer Tehran to the United Nations Security Council for its refusal to suspend sensitive nuclear activities.

“This field is riddled with mines and perils in such a way that if you don’t move in a correct manner, it will cost you, the region, and the world dearly”, Rafsanjani said.

“Iran is not [a country that would”> surrender whenever you brandish weapons and daggers.”

In comments directed at the United States and the EU, Rafsanjani said, “If your goal is to intimidate, then you should know that Iranians are not afraid”.

“We must use our leverages with patience and serenity without provocation or creating tension”.

Rafsanjani also had some tough words for the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. “We are facing new and dangerous circumstances. The issue is very serious”, the senior cleric said. “Our nation must not be misguided with incorrect statements”.

Rafsanjani has had a tense relationship with Ahmadinejad after being beaten in the June presidential elections by the former Revolutionary Guards commander. Rafsanjani later charged that the election was rigged.

He told worshippers that Iran was up against countries seeking to impose “nuclear apartheid”.

“All the people and the officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran are resolute in defending their right”.

“Facing us is a resolution that says that we must not have the nuclear fuel cycle. We insist on having the fuel cycle and this issue is not safe for anyone”.