Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Quotes & Sayings

The days are gone when a country can issue orders to other peoples. Today, mankind needs culture, ideas and logic. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We desire an expansion of relations with regional states and the establishment of extensive public contacts. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ ... and have countries attacked. The lives, reputations and possessions of people destroyed and on the slight chance of the presence of a few criminals in a village, city, or convoy for example, the entire village, city or convoy set ablaze. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

For hundreds of years Iranians have been migrating to many parts of the world. They took Islamic culture to other parts of the world and established it there. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We are posing two very clear questions. The first is: Did the Holocaust actually take place? You answer this question in the affirmative. So, the second question is: Whose fault was it? The answer to that has to be found in Europe and not in Palestine. It is perfectly clear: If the Holocaust took place in Europe, one also has to find the answer to it in Europe. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

If the Holocaust didn't take place, why then did this regime of occupation come about? Why do the European countries commit themselves to defending this regime? Permit me to make one more point. We are of the opinion that, if an historical occurrence conforms to the truth, this truth will be revealed all the more clearly if there is more research into it and more discussion about it. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The United States' administrations ... must recognize that Iran is a big power. Having said that, we consider ourselves to be a human force and a cultural power and hence a friend of other nations. We have never sought to dominate others or to violate the rights of any other country. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

If a technology is beneficial, everyone should have it. If it is not, no one should have it. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I believe the people of the U.S. are peace-loving people. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I think everyone must settle for what is in the parameter of their own rights. No one must have an evil intention toward the territorial benefit or integrity of other nations. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The mere fact that my comments have caused such strong protests, although I'm not a European, and also the fact that I have been compared with certain persons in German history indicates how charged with conflict the atmosphere for research is in your country. Here in Iran you needn't worry. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Nuclear energy is the scientific achievement of the Iranian nation. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

My former health minister, Kamran Bagheri Lankarani, is like a peach. I love to eat him. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The world is in need of an encompassing and of course, just and humane order in the light of which the rights of all are preserved and peace and security are safeguarded. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Five million Palestinians have not had a home for 60 years. It is amazing really: You have been paying reparations for the Holocaust for 60 years and will have to keep paying up for another 100 years. Why then is the fate of the Palestinians no issue here? — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Our nation is today a powerful nation. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The accomplishment of a world without America and Israel is both possible and feasible. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Today Syria, tomorrow your country. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I am quite aware that a distinction must be drawn between the American government and the American people. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Our revolution's main mission is to pave the way for the reappearance of the Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We thank God that our enemies are idiots. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Everyone knows that the Zionist regime is a tool in the hands of the United States and British governments. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

One can not impede scientific progress. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I believe that with the complete formation of the global Zionist network, they have seized control of the fate of the European governments, and of the US government. To the independent countries in the world, I would like to say: You should know that the influence of the Zionist network on your culture, your politics, and your economy is tantamount to a violation of your independence. They cling like ticks. The moment they gain influence, they never stop. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Our dear Imam said that the occupying regime [Israel] must be wiped off the map ... We cannot compromise over the issue of Palestine ... I have no doubt that the new wave that has started in Palestine, and we witness it in the Islamic world too, will eliminate this disgraceful stain from the Islamic world. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

For this reason, the expansion of relations with all countries is on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I mean balanced relationships, based on mutual respect and observation of each other's rights. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We see today that there is a growing understanding in the international community that the extremist regime in Tehran is not just Israel's problem, but rather an issue that the entire international community must grapple with. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We do not have homosexuals in Iran like you do [in America]. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Anyone who is a Palestinian citizen, whether Christian, Jewish or Muslim, should decide together in a very free referendum. There is no need for war. There is no need for threats or an atom bomb either. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

In Iran, people are free to express their views. Every day, some people criticize the policies of the government. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I do believe that all of the world needs reform. The reform must take place everywhere. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Israeli regime is a tool in the hands of Zionists to control the Middle-East and the entire world. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Fundamentally, I do agree, certainly, people must be allowed to express their own opinions freely. Freedom is part of the essential rights of all nations. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Prior to the United Nations even being formed, Palestine was a country. But the right of the Palestinian people were trampled, and unfortunately, international organizations contributed to those rights being trampled. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

They [the US] get our oil and give us a worthless piece of paper. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Our enemies can deal a blow to us any time they wish. They did not wait for permission to do this. They do not deal a blow with prior notice. They do not take action because they can't. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Dear Iranian nation, your children have placed the first indigenous satellite into orbit. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Every year, millions of people from Iran and Iraq travel to each other's countries, and we also have marriages between Iraqis and Iranians. Many Iranians were born in Iraq, and many Iraqis were born in Iran. This is a kind of special, cordial amicable ties. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

In Iran I think nobody loses their job because of making a statement that reflects their opinion. From this point of view, conditions in Iran are far better than in many other places in the world. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

One group of scholars or persons, most of them politically motivated, say the Holocaust occurred. Then there is the group of scholars who represent the opposite position and have therefore been imprisoned for the most part. Hence, an impartial group has to come together to investigate and to render an opinion on this very important subject, because the clarification of this issue will contribute to the solution of global problems. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Those who insist on transferring the Iranian nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council have received an additional argument for doing so. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I want to tell them (western countries) just as the Soviet Union was wiped out and today does not exist, so will the Zionist regime soon be wiped out. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Any nation has the right and will indeed defend herself. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I cannot determine what people or nations should do, but I do think that extremism gives birth to following and subsequent extremism. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Some European countries insist on saying that during World War II, Hitler burned millions of Jews and put them in concentration camps. Any historian, commentator or scientist who doubts that is taken to prison or gets condemned. Although we don't accept this claim, if we suppose it is true ... If the Europeans are honest they should give some of their provinces in Europe - like in Germany, Austria or other countries - to the Zionists and the Zionists can establish their state in Europe. You offer part of Europe and we will support it. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Our dear country, Iran, throughout history has been subject to threats. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We've never been anti-Semitic. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The wave of the Islamic revolution will soon reach the entire world. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We do believe that freedom, the right to choose, the right to vote, respect and justice is the fundamental right of all people. All people must obtain these rights. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Technical knowledge has now become an integral aspect of the Iranian psyche. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Zionists are very much, very adventuresome, very much seeking to fabricate things, and I think they see themselves at the end of the line, and I do firmly believe that they seek to create new opportunities for themselves and their adventurous behaviors. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The establishment of Zionist regime was a move by the world oppressor against the Islamic world. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I'm not anti-Jew. Jews are respected by everyone, like all human beings, and I respect them very much. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

All peoples must be respected, and they must all be granted the same rights. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Sixty million people died in the Second World War. World War II was a gigantic crime. We condemn it all. We are against bloodshed, regardless of whether a crime was committed against a Muslim or against a Christian or a Jew. But the question is: Why among these 60 million victims are only the Jews the center of attention? — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East regions is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D one of the basic rights of nations. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Zionist regime is a dried up and rotten tree which will be annihilated with one storm. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Crime against the individual is the equivalent of crime against humanity. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The American government must finally learn lessons from the past. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Of course, one cannot get to know a country like the United States in short visits. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Don't Latin Americans have the right to ask why their elected governments are being opposed and coup leaders supported? Poverty and hardship in large parts of Africa are preventing this from happening. Don't they have the right to ask why their enormous wealth - including minerals - is being looted, despite the fact that they need it more than others? — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

People should have freedom in their pilgrimages and tours. They should come and visit historical monuments and sites - let's say the sites around Iran - where they can easily engage in wide- scale contacts with others. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism? You should know that this slogan, this goal, can certainly be achieved. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Everyone must learn from the past. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

There is no doubt that the new wave [of attacks] in Palestine will wipe off this stigma [Israel] from the face of the Islamic world. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

No one places any trust in the words of the Americans. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We do not need an atomic bomb. The Iranian nation is wise. It won't build two atomic bombs while you have 20,000 warheads. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Today the reason for the Zionist regime's existence is questioned and this regime is on its way to annihilation. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Those who insist on having hostilities with us, kill and destroy the option of friendship with us in the future, which is unfortunate because it is clear the future belongs to Iran and that enmities will be fruitless. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We had principles in mathematics that were granted to be absolute in mathematics for over 800 years, but new science has gotten rid of those absolutism, gotten forward other different logics of looking at mathematics, and sort of turned the way we look at it as a science altogether after 800 years. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I know that DER SPIEGEL is a respected magazine. But I don't know whether it is possible for you to publish the truth about the Holocaust. Are you permitted to write everything about it? — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Cooperation and collaboration among nations and countries can help in the process of development of promoting welfare as well as bringing peace and stability. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Today too, the most important issue in the world is Palestine. If a war breaks out in Iraq, we believe it is due to the provocation of the Zionists. If it happens in Afghanistan, it is because of their provocation. If Sudan is oppressed, it is due to Zionist seduction. We consider all the arrogant, colonialist schemes to be inspired by the Zionists. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

If some want to misuse the generosity of our nation, and re-examine what was previously examined, they should know the fire of the anger of the Iranian nation will be extremely burning and devastating. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We have a relationship with Syria, an old relationship. We also have good relations with the people of Syria, with all segments of the population. This is the situation as well in Iraq and other countries. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The use of nuclear weapons is Iran's right. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We will convert the entire world to Islam with our logic. We are confident that the Islamic logic, culture, and discourse can prove their superiority in all fields over all schools of thought and theories. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Aggression, occupation and a repetition of the Holocaust won't bring peace. What we want is a sustainable peace. This means that we have to tackle the root of the problem. I am pleased to note that you are honest people and admit that you are obliged to support the Zionists. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Iran's strong logic and firm diplomacy is the guideline for all government officials in negotiations on country's peaceful nuclear program with foreigners, quite resolutely. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Fortunately, Iranians are politically active worldwide. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I'm an academic. I teach at the university, and that's where I will go back to. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Zionist regime is an injustice and by its very nature a permanent threat. Whether you like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation. The Zionist regime is a rotten, dried tree that will be eliminated by one storm. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The UN structure is one-sided, stacked against the world of Islam. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I will only accept something as truth if I am actually convinced of it. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Liberalism and Western-style democracy have not been able to help realize the ideals of humanity. Today, these two concepts have failed. Those with insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the ideology and thoughts of the liberal democratic systems ... Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I pass no judgment about historic events. I defend the human freedoms. Whatever event has taken place throughout history, or hasn't taken place, I cannot judge that. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

If the Holocaust that you talk about was real, why don't you allow the subject to be studied? One can freely research any issue, except for this issue, which is sealed. It is a black box, which they do not allow to be opened or reexamined. They do this in order to exploit it. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Global equations undergo changes, this is their nature. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The United States has never entered a serious war, and has never been victorious. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We don't want to confirm or deny the Holocaust. We oppose every type of crime against any people. But we want to know whether this crime actually took place or not. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The skirmishes in the occupied land are part of the war of destiny. The outcome of hundreds of years of war will be defined in Palestinian land. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Some segments within the American government orchestrated the attack to reverse the declining American economy, and its grips on the Middle East, in order to save the Zionist regime The majority of the American people as well as most nations and politicians around the world agree with this view. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The German people of today bear no guilt. Why are the German people not permitted the right to defend themselves? Why are the crimes of one group emphasized so greatly, instead of highlighting the great German cultural heritage? Why should the Germans not have the right to express their opinion freely? — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

All peoples are fed up with the American government. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We ask the West to remove what they created sixty years ago [Israel] and if they do not listen to our recommendations, then the Palestinian nation and other nations will eventually do this for them. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

No country in the world looks upon America as a friend. When the U.S. is mentioned, people are reminded of war, aggression and bloodshed, and that's not a good thing. In other words, the American people are paying for something they don't believe in. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Death to Israel! Death to Israel! — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I do hope that all nations can live in complete security and welfare. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

I'm not in charge of judgments in Iran. The judicial system in Iran is an independent body of its own, and it follows the laws, and it must operate according to the law. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We believe that visa quotas should be lifted and people should visit anywhere they wish freely. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad