Whoever attacks Iran will regret it

The Iranian foreign minister says any country which attacks Iran will regret it, adding Iran is set to safeguard its inalienable rights.

“No one can ignore the rights of a nation,” Manouchehr Mottaki said in an interview with German weekly magazine Der Spiegel, according to Fars News Agency.

“Iran is determined to defend its rights, and anybody who attacks Iran will be regretful,” Mottaki said.

He underlined attacking Iran has been on Israel’s mind for several years.

“The Zionist regime knows exactly what fate is awaiting it here. By attacking Iran, the Zionist regime will put its existence on the line.”

On possible dialog with the Vienna Group (comprising the United States, Russia, France and the IAEA) in the near future, he underlined the talks will focus on nuclear fuel swap.

“Iran is ready to exchange its low-enriched uranium (LED) with 20% enriched fuel for the Tehran (nuclear) research reactor,” said the top Iranian diplomat.

He underscored Brazil and Turkey may also take part in the negotiations.

Mottaki said Iran has never demanded anything beyond its rights, adding the best thing to do at the moment is to recognize Tehran’s legitimate rights.

The top diplomat then touched upon Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s readiness for one-on-one talks with his American counterpart.

“Mr. Ahmadinejad has announced his willingness for direct talks with US President Barack Obama in a public debate. This is different from official negotiations between Iran and the US mentioned by Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei],” the foreign minister highlighted.

Mottaki further told the German weekly that sanctions imposed on Iran have immunized the country against the global economic crisis.

He also said the unilateral sanctions slapped by the European Union against Iran will definitely harm Europe more than it will hurt Iran.