Iranian General: 'Erasing Israel Off the Map' Is 'Nonnegotiable'

Iranian General: 'Erasing Israel Off the Map' Is 'Nonnegotiable'

April 1, 2015

Newsmax.com - The commander of the Basij militia of Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in an interview that "erasing Israel off the map" is "nonnegotiable," The Times of Israel reported.

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi's comments were made public as Iran and six world powers chose to extend nuclear negotiations in a new phase aimed at reaching a comprehensive accord by the end of June.

Naqdi has issued statements against Israel in the past. In 2014, Naqdi said Iran was increasing efforts to arm West Bank Palestinians for battle against Israel, adding the move would lead to Israel's annihilation, Iran's Fars News reported.

"Arming the West Bank has started and weapons will be supplied to the people of this region," Naqdi said.

"The Zionists should know that the next war won't be confined to the present borders and the Mujahedeen will push them back," he added.

Fars News also quoted Naqdi threatening both Saudi Arabia and the United States.

"Imposing war on Yemen will, God willingly, have no result other than Saddam's fate for the aggressors and the U.S. that is the direct sponsor of this crime will have to leave the region forever after losing its puppet, the Al Saud regime," he said in a statement.

The Basij is a religious volunteer force established in 1979 by the Iran's revolutionary leaders. It acts as a moral police force, often suppressing dissent, the Times said.