US decision on Jerusalem will accelerate Israel s destruction: Iran

Tehran Dec 12 (IANS) Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami has said US President Donald Trump s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will accelerate the Jewish state s destruction.

Hatami on Monday said Trump s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem meant that Washington would be to blame for any future conflict in the Middle East Efe news reported citing state-run news agency IRNA.

"The US measure will double the unity among Muslims and also precipitate the collapse of the Zionist regime " Hatami said adding that Tehran condemned the unilateral actions taken by the US and Israel.

The Chief of Staff of Iran s armed forces Mohammad Bagheri warned that Trump s decision was the prelude to a great uprising against Israel a move that some Palestinian groups have urged.

Iran supports the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and other groups in the region such as Lebanon s Hezbollah that have fought Israel.

--IANS
pgh/