Iranian quotes on Egypt's revolution

       Iranian leaders have welcomed the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Tehran and Cairo have had tense and difficult relations. The two predominantly Muslim countries had rival forms of rule: Egypt is secular and Iran is an Islamic republic. They also have had rival alliances. Egypt has been one of the strongest U.S. and Western allies; Iran and the West have been at odds over human rights, Arab-Israeli peace, support for extremist groups and Tehran’s nuclear program. Iranian leaders have claimed credit for influencing Egypt’s protesters. They have also indicated the potential for better relations between the two countries.

      "In spite of all the (West's) complicated and satanic designs ... a new Middle East is emerging without the Zionist regime and U.S. interference, a place where the arrogant powers will have no place," February 11, The Telegraph

 

      "They (the United States) have adopted a friendly face and saying 'we are friends of people of North Africa and Arab countries', but be watchful and united. You will be victorious."

"Iranian nation is your friend and it is your right to freely choose your path. Iranian nation backs this right of yours."

 

      "The final move has begun. We are in the middle of a world revolution managed by this dear (12th Imam). A great awakening is unfolding. One can witness the hand of Imam in managing it." February 11, 2011, AFP

 

      Mubarak and his Western backers "heard the voice of the Egyptian people 30 years too late." February 11, 2011, Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty

 

      "It is very important that the Egyptian people have taken a step toward realizing their objectives…The coincidence that this took place on the anniversary (of the Iranian revolution) is a good omen.

 

      "You must remember that the Iranian state is also the product of a popular revolution." February 12, 2011, UPI

 

      "The Egyptians have a peaceful protest. Why are they reacting to them with bullets and violence?" February 10, Interview with Al Jazeera

 

 

      “I congratulate the great Egyptian nation for this victory and we share their happiness." 

 

      "We hope that the civil movement in Egypt can complete its victory through resistance and by a strong will so that it can successfully reach all its demands."February 13, Reuters

 

      “The Egyptian regime tried to imitate Iran’s Basij forces by using plain-clothed officers to protect itself [the Egyptian government]. But Egypt’s plain-clothed officers were corrupt, power-seeking, and traitorous.”

 

      "[Egyptian government did not realize that] “the backbone of Iran’s Basij forces are God and Islam, [so] the imitation is ridiculous.” February 13

 

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee

      “Considering developments in Egypt and the fall of Hosni Mubarak’s regime, hopefully we can see a quick resumption of diplomatic relations between the Iranian and Egyptian nations.”   February 13, Tehran Times

 

      “The political geography of the Middle East will change quickly as the Egyptian revolution infects other autocracies in the region. Israel is also reaching the end of the story. Iran, as the only source of inspiration for anti-US movements in the region, will control the heart of the revolutions. Sidelining the US is the most important geopolitical effect we can expect to see.” February 12, BBC Monitoring

 

      “Thirty two years ago, on 11 February 1979 when the Islamic Revolution achieved victory in Iran, America and Israel were the two countries that worried most. Now after the Egyptian people's revolution, the Zionists are scared once again. Mubarak's collapse is the beginning of a huge anti-American and anti-Israeli wave in the Middle East and North Africa. Iran also should have an important role in this process.” February 12, BBC Monitoring

 

      "The US, which knows well from where it has been struck a blow in Egypt, through a desperate action in Tehran, is trying to reduce its political and psychological pains. The recent statement by [Mir Hossein] Mousavi and [Mehdi] Karroubi and their call for an unrest on 25 Bahman [ 14 February], which was fully dictated from beyond the borders, has been written to overshadow the genuine and Islamic movement of the people in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan etc. This has actually removed all doubts about the sedition leaders being America and Israel's pawns." February 14, BBC Monitoring

 

      "We called for a demonstration to show our movement is alive and to stop the Iranian government's propaganda abuse of pro-democracy movements in the region." February 11, The Wall Street Journal