Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian Parliame
Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian ParliameReuters

Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, spoke in an interview Wednesday with the Tunisian media. There, he praised the Tunisian government's move to enact a new constitution, calling it a fundamental move for a national revolution and an important step for the region and the world. 

Larijani stated that the Iranian government welcomes the "new Tunisia" and would work to improve and strengthen the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. He emphasized that the unity of Islamic states is important in light of "foreign conspiracies" against them. 

According to Larijani, the "enemies of Islam" are responsible for establishing extremist organizations whose antiquated policies are based on the occupation of Islamic states, in order to call attention to significant issues such as the very existence of "the Zionist regime". He added that the groups prey on differences within the Islamic world in order to serve their own interests - and that unity among the Islamic states can prevent further damage. 

Regarding the nuclear program, Larijani insisted that the West knows full well that Iran is not building nuclear weapons, and that they are using the "lie" to prevent the Muslim world from making further technological advances. 

Larijani also commented on the "Arab Spring," in light of Tunisia's successful leadership change and the recent 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. According to Larijani, revolutions take time - not months, but a matter of years - and dictatorships can effectively combat, but not eliminate entirely, a popular uprising. He also said that Iran is paying the price for combatting 'Israeli aggression." 

Larijani also stressed that Tehran has long believed that there is no military resolution to the Syrian Civil war, and that the only end to the crisis will be through political dialogue. 

This is the second time in a week that the parliament speaker has made remarks against Israel. Last Thursday, Larijani praised Hamas for its "armed warfare" against the "Zionist regime," and said Iran's policies have always supported "defense of the Muslim peoples, and particularly the rights of the Palestinian people under occupation."

He neglected to mention Iran has also been sending soldiers to take part in the Syrian bloodbath that has mushroomed into an all-out Islamic holy war between Shia and Sunni Muslims.