MASHHAD, Khorasan Province - Dr. Ali Akbar Velayati, the Leader's advisor on international affairs, said that the U.S. attack on Iraq could be considered as a leverage of pressure against all the oil-rich countries in the region.

Addressing the directors of Astan-e Qods Razavi here on Saturday, Velayati maintained that the Palestine issue is of paramount importance at this point in time.

Referring to the fact that most important current events take place in the region, the Leader's advisor said that the Islamic Republic, because of its geographical and political situation, has always been envied by its enemies.

Dr. Velayati noted that there was no doubt that the unity and vigilance of the people can thwart all the plots of the enemies against the national sovereignty and independence of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Iranian official observed that the world has accepted Iran as a major regional power, since any Iranian decision can tremendously affect the situation in the region.

The Leader's advisor also said that Iran cannot remain indifferent to events in any of the five states it shares borders, since developments in those countries are related to Iranian national security. Velayati added, "Maintaining the independence and solidarity of the Islamic world and reinforcing mutual relations is the objective of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He noted that it is more important than ever that Iran maintain its ties with Islamic countries and make concerted efforts to thwart the hegemonic plans of the United States and the Zionist regime.

The Leader's advisor concluded by saying that Israel has now reached an impasse, particularly since the Palestinians made the choice to return to Islam, adding that when we witness a youth sacrifice himself for the sake of his Palestinian compatriots, it is because of his firm belief in Islam.