Iran warns Israel not to attack Syria

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (C) speaks in Tehran July 8, 2006. Ahmadinejad said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Syria would be considered an attack on the whole Islamic world that would bring a 'fierce response', state television reported. (Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters)

July 13, 2006

TEHRAN (Reuters) -Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Syria would be considered an attack on the whole Islamic world that would bring a "fierce response," state television reported.

"If the Zionist regime commits another stupid move and attacks Syria, this will be considered like attacking the whole Islamic world and this regime will receive a very fierce response," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in a telephone conversation with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The president made the comments after Israel struck Beirut airport and military airbases and blockaded Lebanese ports in reprisals that have killed 55 civilians in Lebanon since Hizbollah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers a day earlier.

"He (Ahmadinejad) also said it was a must for the Organization of the Islamic Conference to become more active regarding the new crisis created by the Zionist regime," state television reported.

Iran's Islamic government has never recognized Israel and routinely refers to the Jewish state as the "Zionist regime."

Iran has close ties with Syria, and with Hizbollah.

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Iran Tells Israel Not to Attack Syria