Iran: Help us, help you, starting with the truth

LETTERS LETTERS@ USATODAY. COM

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad

Javad Zarif seeks to characterize Saudi Arabia as the driving force behind Islamic extremism, as part of the regime’s ongoing and unconvincing attempts to paint Iran as a source of moderation, peace and unity in the Middle East.

In reality: Iran continues to fuel conflict and sectarian violence across the region to aid its own hegemonic goals.

Zarif says there is room for the Saudis to join the effort against violent extremism, without acknowledging Iran’s financial support of Hezbollah — a sanctioned terrorist organization that has thousands of forces supporting Syrian President Bashar al- Assad.

Iran is funding Shiite militias in Iraq; the ayatollah routinely calls for death to Israel; dual nationals are being taken hostage at alarming rates, charged with unsubstantiated crimes. Iranian citizens are abused and hanged in public squares by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also a sanctioned terrorist organization.

The 9/ 11 Commission Report details Iran’s support of al- Qaeda — which includes training and safe transit from Afghanistan through Iran of terrorists ( including 9/ 11 highjackers). Over the last 30 years, Iran has systematically invested money, training and other support to both Shiite and Sunni extremist groups across the Middle East, perpetuating violence, unrest and death to countless innocent civilians.

Calls for coordinated action at the United Nations, ahead of this week’s General Assembly meetings, are consistent with previous mendacious attempts by Iranian officials to use U. N. initiatives to whitewash Iran’s terrorist misdeeds. Perhaps Zarif should focus on dealing honestly with the world. Mark Wallace United Against Nuclear Iran New York