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Iran softens stand on Israel

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Within days of issuing its controversial call for having Israel "wiped off the map," Iran has softened its stance, saying that it had no intention to attack its long-time adversary.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to its U.N. charter commitments. It has never used force against a second country or threatened the use of force," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

The statement comes a day after Iranian President defended his earlier call seeking Israel's destruction. In an apparent damage-control exercise, the Ministry also clarified Iranian disposition towards the Israel-Palestinian conflict. "The official stance ... is that the occupation of Palestine should end, refugees should return and a democratic state should be formed with Jerusalem as its capital."

Separately, Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would support whatever position the Palestinians themselves chose to adopt. "Iran is still insisting on its earlier position that the Palestinian people should decide their own future," he said. Mr. Larijani's observations come a day after senior Palestinian officials rejected Mr. Ahmadinejad's stance on Israel.

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