Iranian President Wants The West To Address Terrorism Without 'Strategic Mistakes'
Rouhani also addressed the ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear ambitions. He said continued talks would be the only way to resolve the issue and posed a "historic opportunity" for the West that could spur greater cooperation in the fight against terrorism. At the same time, Rouhani warned those who might want to stop Iran from expanding its nuclear program with "sanctions" or "conflict" that they would be making a "grave mistake."
"Extremism is a global issue," Rouhani said through a translator.
He stressed terrorists come to the Middle East and nearby regions from "around the world." Rouhani, whose country has a religious Islamic government, also argued jihadist groups and other self-described Muslim extremist organizations do not represent the religion.
"I am astonished that these murderous groups call themselves Islamic," said Rouhani, adding, "The Western media repeats this false claim."
Rouhani blamed the rise of terrorism in the Middle East and nearby regions on Western "colonialism," "racism," and "strategic blunders" such as the foreign military intervention in Afghanistan led by the United States.
"Today's anti-Westernism is the offspring of yesterday's colonialism," he said. "Today's anti-Westernism is a reaction to yesterday's racism."
He also warned further mistakes by the West could exacerbate the situation and stressed an anti-terror approach focused on "development" and cooperation with moderate Middle Eastern countries would be the best way to confront extremism.
In the past month, the US launched strikes against the jihadist group Islamic State (also known as ISIS and ISIL) along with a coalition including many Middle Eastern nations. American officials have expressed hope Iran might join this effort. Rouhani warned the US would be making another "strategic mistake" if it was heading the coalition against ISIS in an effort to perpetuate colonialism.
"I believe if countries claiming leadership of the coalition do so to maintain their hegemony over the region, they will be making a strategic mistake," said Rouhani
Rouhani went on to discuss the ongoing negotiations over what he described as Iran's "peaceful nuclear program." Iran has been engaged in talks with the US, the UK, Russia, China, France, and Germany aimed at reaching an agreement for the country to operate a peaceful nuclear program. He said Iran agreed to participate in the negotiations out of a desire for cooperation and "not as a result of sanctions or threats."
Late last year, an interim agreement was reached for Iran to roll back and pause certain elements of its nuclear program for six months in exchange for decreased international sanctions. Rouhani called for a "final comprehensive nuclear agreement" that "does not discriminate when it comes to international rules and regulations."
Rouhani said it would carry a "global message of peace" if the West came to an agreement with Iran over its desire to expand its nuclear program. He also suggested an agreement could lead to an increased cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
"Those would think of any other solution would be committing a grave mistake in doing so," he warned.
This post was updated at 10:58 a.m.