Rouhani: Scientist’s assassination sign of enemies’ failure to stop Iran’s scientific march

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the head of the Iranian Defense Ministry’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, was targeted in a multi-pronged terrorist attack by a number of assailants in Absard city of Tehran Province’s Damavand County on November 27.

On Wednesday, the Iranian administration said the country’s Intelligence Ministry has identified the individuals involved in the assassination of Fakhrizadeh.

“Without a doubt, this terrorist incident is a sign of the failure of sworn enemies of the Iranian nation to stymie the scientific and research movement launched by our scientists,” Iran’s president said in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Thursday, emphasizing that “the government of Iran reserves the right to avenge this martyr in due time.”

Iran’s chief executive noted, “The assassination of this scientist was a grave crime and inhumane act.”

Elsewhere in his phone call, Rouhani pointed to the ongoing cooperation between Iran and the neighboring Turkey, saying, “Both countries are determined to develop economic and trade relations, but unfortunately, US sanctions have prevented us from doing so and do not allow us to continue trade, economic and banking cooperation in an easy way.”

Iran’s president also highlighted the need for more convergence and collaboration between Iran and Turkey, especially on matters of international concern, saying, “Iran and Turkey can reduce rifts in the Muslim world through consultations and cooperation and can invite the Islamic Ummah to unity.”

The Turkish president, for his part, condoled with the government and nation of Iran on Fakhrizadeh’s assassination and also expressed his condolences to his family while vigorously condemning this act of terrorism.

“There is no doubt that this terrorist attack has targeted peace and tranquility in our region,” Turkey’s president said.

Erdogan expressed hope that perpetrators behind this assassination will be identified as soon as possible and brought to justice.

“I hope the plots hatched by dark circles that want to sow instability in our region would be thwarted,” Erdogan added.