Vox pop

With reference to Reza Alaei Tazegheshlagh's article We'll not slip on the oil (April 25), the claim that Iran does not support terrorism and is the most democratic nation in the region, flies in the face of ground reality.

Iran's definition of peace appears too violent for us
With reference to Reza Alaei Tazegheshlagh's article We'll not slip on the oil (April 25), the claim that Iran does not support terrorism and is the most democratic nation in the region, flies in the face of ground reality. Iran sponsors terror groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, designated terrorist outfits by many countries. To suggest that its democratic ethos is strong in the region is an insult to those who have lost their lives in the ongoing struggle while expressing their political will and aspirations, and to those illegally detained in sub-humane conditions.

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Second, the author speaks of India's interests vis-à-vis Iran and the US. Former special envoy to the prime minister, Shyam Saran, while explaining India's vote against Iran, said in a TV interview, "Iran's nuclear programme was linked to Pakistan, to the DPRK and I think it was in India's interest that they come out in the open". Iran has consistently failed to come clean on its nuclear programme, which leads to suspicions of it pursuing a more militaristic policy. Lastly, the claim that Iran never attacks its neighbours is a blatant lie. Iran has sponsored terrorist actions against its neighbours and instigated unrest in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan among others. To suggest that these measures are peaceful is wrong.
Siddharth Ramana, via email