Merkel speech under ‘Zionist’ influence

The Islamic Republic has condemned German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s latest remarks on Iran, saying her speech was against the national interests of Germany.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said on Thursday that Merkel’s remarks were influenced by ‘Zionist circles’.

Mehmanparast’s remarks come after Merkel repeated Western allegations over Iran’s nuclear issue in a Tuesday address to US Congress.

“Zero tolerance needs to be shown when there is a risk of weapons of mass destruction falling, for example, into the hands of Iran,” Merkel said.

The German chancellor also stressed that security for Israel was non-negotiable for her.

“Whoever threatens Israel also threatens us,” she said.

The West accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weaponry. Iran, a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has reiterated that its program is aimed at civilian applications of the technology. Iran has also been vociferous in its call for global nuclear disarmament.