Tehran, September 01: The Iranian parliament on Tuesday deliberately provoked Israel by endorsing a controversial general as defence minister despite foreign objections to his nomination.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s designation of General Ahmad Vahidi spurred protests in Argentina, where justice officials have accused him of taking part in the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community centre AMIA, which killed 85 people.
Iran’s arch-foe Israel also condemned the move, saying the nomination of Vahidi revealed the real nature of the Iranian regime.
The parliament said in a statement that due to the accusations and “Zionist (Israeli) propaganda,” there would not only be no veto, but instead huge support for Vahidi.
Parliament deputies approved the nomination with “Death to Israel” slogans.
While most of the designated ministers were critically reviewed by the parliament, there was not even one single speech against Vahidi.
Iran last month summoned the Argentine charge d’affaires after his country linked Vahidi to the deadly bombing 15 years ago.
The foreign ministry condemned Argentina for what it called “blatant interference” in Iran’s internal affairs and accused the Argentine judiciary of being under pressure from the “Zionist lobby.”
Vahidi said in the parliament Tuesday that Iran faced numerous challenges, including Israeli military threats.
He said Iran should increase its defensive potential in line with new technology, upgrade military logistics and improve deterrence.
Israel has voiced constant concern over Iran’s nuclear programmes and accused the Islamic state of secretly working on nuclear weapons which could be used against the Jewish state.
Iran’s medium-range missiles have a reported range of 2,000 kilometres, capable of reaching any part of Israel.
Tehran has constantly denied the charges and warned that in case of an Israeli military attack on the country’s nuclear sites, Iran would give a decisive reply including the use of its missiles.
–Agencies