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Javad Zarif Won't Admit Iran Funds Terrorism

July 14, 2015

Just moments after nuclear deal with Iran was finalized, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif sat down for an interview with Andrea Mitchell.

Mitchell asked Zarif whether there would be cooperation on fighting radical Islamic terrorists in Syria and Iraq. Zarif said Iran has been on the forefront of fighting the Islamic State, and that the international community should be involved in fighting both militarily and comprehensively.

Zarif expressed his concern over IS propaganda videos showing members of the terrorist group beheading innocent people speaking English and French with a native accent. Zarif added that IS is not a local menace but a global one and a menace that needs to be handled globally.

Mitchell questioned Zarif on "critics" who say that Iran sponsors terror in other areas such as financing Hezbollah as well as other terror groups. Zarif was defensive, blaming the intelligence America was receiving from its allies.

"Well, look at the realities on the ground in the Middle East. Probably those who are now beheading innocent individuals, wreaking havoc in our region, none are financed by Iran but instead by U.S. allies," Zarif said.

Zarif took a swipe at U.S.- Israel relations by saying that the people on the terror list was a reflection of the United States' pattern of alliance and bilateral relations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been a vocal advocate against a nuclear Iran and said Tuesday that the deal was a "historic mistake."