Iran Slams Western Campaign against Syria, Warns UN of Military Attack

“No rational mind can accept the notion that the Syrian government would resort to such a measure (using chemical weapons) just when a team of UN [chemical weapons] inspectors are based in Damascus only 20 kilometers away [from the site of the attack],” said Ambassador Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani in a Monday interview with ISNA.
 
Sheibani further added that even if one assumed the Syrian government had ignored the presence of the UN inspectors in the country and had carried out the chemical attack anyway, “it would only mean providing a definite excuse for the United States and its allies to engage in military intervention in Syria, and would in one way or another mean political suicide.”
 
“Can one buy the idea that a government, which has been under the most difficult conditions and has been resisting all sorts of military, political, security and economic pressures for nearly two and a half years and is now in a better position on the ground than before, would engage in such an act?” the Iranian envoy asked.
 
He went on to suggest to the Americans not to repeat old mistakes and to learn lessons from their occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the developments in Libya and North Africa.
 
Sheibani also expressed doubt that Washington can actually implement its threat against Syria, given current regional and global conditions, Syria’s geostrategic position, as well as the domestic situation in America and its public opinion. Nevertheless, he said, that the threat must be dealt with seriously.
 
In the meantime, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi said Tuesday Iran has warned a visiting top UN official of "serious consequences" for the region in case of international military action in Syria.
  
The message was conveyed by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting on Monday with UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman, who is in Tehran for talks that included Syria, Araqchi told reporters.
  
"The use of military means (against Syria) will have serious consequences not only for Syria but for the entire region," Araqchi said recounting conversations between Zarif and Feltman.
 
Araqchi said there was "proof" of Syrian militants having used chemical weapons, adding that Russia, another key Assad ally, had submitted it to the UN Security Council. Highlighting the "sensitive situation" in the region, Araqchi advised the West to exercise "wisdom" in dealing with Syria, especially since "there is no authorization from the Security Council" for military action.