Israel Plotting to Occupy Nile to Euphrates with Support of ISIL: Iran's DM


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan warned against Israel's plot to expand the occupied territories from "the Nile to the Euphrates" with the support of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group.

"This year's rallies to mark the International Quds Day due to be held this Friday are more important than the previous years' because the Zionist regime (of Israel) with the full support of ISIL terrorists… is seeking to realize the occupation of (areas from) the Nile to the Euphrates," General Dehqan said in a speech on Monday.

Undoubtedly, massive participation of people in the international event can thwart "the dangerous plot", the minister stressed.

He further emphasized that the only way to liberate the holy Quds is unity and solidarity among Muslims.

Back in January, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei underlined Iran's determination to continue support for the Palestinian cause.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will remain resolved (in its support) until the day that the cause of Palestine is materialized," Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with Head of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine–General Command (PFLP-GC) Ahmed Jibril in Tehran.

The Leader also noted that the issue of Palestine is among the top issues of the entire Muslim world.

Each year, the International Quds Day is celebrated on the last Friday of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

The event’s overarching theme is support for the Palestinians and fierce denunciation of Israel.

The day is also seen as the legacy of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini, who officially declared the last Friday of Ramadan as International Quds Day back in 1979.