Israeli Prez Follows Obama in Appeal to Iranians

Following President Obama's video message to Iran, Shimon Peres issued an audio address today, urging Iranians to reject the rule of their “oppressive and fanatical regime” and “reclaim their worthy place among the nations of the enlightened world.” The Israeli president's message, delivered partly in Farsi, was broadcast over Israel Radio, which operates a Persian channel.

Peres recalled a better time in Israeli-Iranian relations—during the rule of the Shah, whom he recalled as “gracious.” He told Iranians not to listen to the “handful of religious fanatics” who chose to enrich uranium rather than feed hungry children. “I think that the Iranian people will topple these leaders,” he said. (More Shimon Peres stories.)