Iran says there is 'proof' Syria rebels used chemical weapons
A photo released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on August 24, 2013 shows bags and containers of what the Syrian government claims to be materials used to make chemical weapons discovered in Jobar on the outskirts of the capital Damascus. Iran now claims there is "proof" Syrian rebels used chemical weapons in their conflict with President Bashar al-Assad. PHOTO/AFP/SANA
What you need to know:
- President Hassan Rowhani on Saturday also pointed to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, but without assigning blame.
- Syria's main opposition body, the National Coalition, has accused Assad's regime of "massacring" more than 1,300 people in chemical weapons attacks on the outskirts of Damascus on Wednesday.
Iran, the chief regional ally of Damascus, said Saturday there is "proof" Syrian rebels used chemical weapons in their conflict with President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
"We are very concerned about information regarding the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and we strongly condemn the use of such weapons," ISNA news agency quoted foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi.
"There is proof terrorist groups carried out this action," Araqchi said in reference to Wednesday's allegedly deadly attacks in the Damascus area. He did not elaborate.
President Hassan Rowhani on Saturday also pointed to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, but without assigning blame.
"The situation prevailing in Syria today and the death of a certain number of innocent people caused by chemical weapons is very distressing," a government website quoted him.
Rowhani added that Iran, itself a victim of chemical attacks in its 1980-1988 war with Iraq, "totally and vigorously condemned the use of chemical weapons".
During the conflict, chemical strikes by the Iraqi armed forces killed thousands of Iranians, particularly in civilian areas.
"The Islamic republic of Iran, which was the victim of chemical weapons, asks the international community to do everything to stop the use of these weapons anywhere in the world," Rowhani said.
WESTERRN INTERVENTION
Araqchi warned against any Western military intervention in Syria's 29-month conflict, after the United States suggested it was weighing up on such a possibility.
"There is no international authorisation for a military intervention in Syria. We warn against any actions or statements that could create more tension in the region.
I hope that White House officials show enough wisdom not to enter into such dangerous tumult," Araqchi added.
Syria's main opposition body, the National Coalition, has accused Assad's regime of "massacring" more than 1,300 people in chemical weapons attacks on the outskirts of Damascus on Wednesday.
The regime has categorically denied the accusations.
"The provocative words of American officials or sending warships do not help to solve the problem in any way, but make the situation in the region more dangerous," said Araqchi.
Iran is Damascus's key ally in the region, and regularly warns against boosting Sunni Muslim extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda that are fighting in the country.
