International

Iranian Ultimatum Issued

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens citizens of European countries with violence in return for their governments’ diplomatic recognition of the Zionist Entity:

“We inform you that the nations are like an ocean that is welling up, and if a storm begins, the dimensions will not stay limited to Palestine, and you may get hurt.”

It is in your own interest to distance yourself from these criminals… This is an ultimatum. Don’t complain tomorrow.”

But why specifically Europe rather than the, say, the USA which has historically been less interested in dialogue with Iran than the EU?

“We have advised the Europeans that the Americans are far away, but you are the neighbours of the nations in this region,” Mr Ahmadinejad said.

Shuggy translates:

We of course understand that Europe doesn’t support Israel in the way that the United States does but if you will go doing outrageous things like recognising its right to exist, understand that Europe has the advantage of being quite handy for travelling.

I’ll add to that: Ahmadinejad is basically saying it doesn’t matter whether countries attempt to engage in dialogue with the Islamic Republic or rattle sabres at it – he’s going to encourage terrorism against the easiest target despite their choice of diplomatic approach.

His threats are worth bearing in mind by those who suppose that the Islamic Republic is a rational actor on the world stage and can be bought off with acts of kindness.

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