Iranian leader’s rhetoric still unchanged on Israel

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (JTA) — Iranian President Mohammed Khatami’s softened rhetoric toward the United States was not matched by his comments about Israel during a groundbreaking interview this week with CNN. Khatami lashed out against the Jewish state for being a “racist regime which does not even have the backing of the Jewish people.” Khatami, regarded as more moderate than his predecessor, broadly condemned terrorism, but defended Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad for their war against Israel. When asked about the killing of women and children on Israel’s streets, Khatami said, “Any killing of innocents not involved in confrontations must be condemned.” Khatami did not elaborate during the 45-minute interview Wednesday. The United States cautiously welcomed Khatami’s overtures to the American people at the same time that officials criticized his comments on Israel. “The characterization of the U.S.-Israeli relationship was simplistic and wrong, and a continued reference to Israel as a racist terrorist regime is not acceptable,” said James Rubin, spokesman for the State Department. The United States is also looking for Iran to stop its sponsorship of terrorism and its aggressive effort to develop weapons of mass destruction capable of reaching Israel and other U.S. allies. “Let me stress that changes in Iranian policies on support for terror, the development of weapons of mass destruction, and support for violent opposition to the Middle East peace process remain key to forging a better relationship,” Rubin said. But while the administration seemed uncertain how to follow up Khatami’s call for cultural dialogue, a senior Jewish congressman is already seeking a meeting with the Iranian leader. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) has asked Khatami for a meeting in Tehran. “The time has come to explore the possibility of improving relations between the U.S. and Iran,” said Lantos, a Holocaust survivor and senior member of the House International Relations Committee.