"It's alright, it's just rhetoric", "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad didn't mean that Iran wants to wipe Israel off of the map"

"It's alright, it's just rhetoric" and "Ahmadinejad didn't mean that Iran wants to wipe Israel off of the map" are just two of the lines I hear from haters of Israel. Odd that as here's something that Ali Reza Forghani, a supporter of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and former governor of Kish province, published in an article titled "Countdown to an Attack on Israel". Here's an extract:

'Naturally, after that we must equip and upgrade the Syrian forces for the final blow against Israel, [a blow that will continue] until it is totally destroyed. We must in no way repeat the mistake of the Gaza [war] – accepting a ceasefire.'

...

'"Of course, the Allies in the Syria war perceive Israel's existence in the region in the same way – that is, that it conflicts with the existence of several governments and ideologies [in the region – i.e. those of Iran, Syria, and Hizbullah]. So, attacking and completely eradicating Israel from the planet is the only solution to this problem.'

Actually to be fair it's not just Israel that Iran's Islamist leaders want to destroy. Here's another extract:

'"Another important difference between World War II and the Syria war that will eventually lead to World War III, is the playing field. Unlike World War II, the Syria war began in a single country; the invading players [intend for it] to end in a second country, Iran.

...

"[Then] World War III will erupt... and that game will have no winners. Both sides will lose, because some countries on both sides have nuclear weapons. Once the war escalates, the threat of these weapons... will make the other side launch a nuclear war.

"So nothing can be expected but the destruction of all humanity. But even before nuclear weapons are used, World War III could cost more than five times as many lives as World War II – some 260 million."'

You can find much more of this material at MEMRI but almost certainly not on the BBC who ignore the fact that many of the Iranian leadership, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, are believers in the coming of the 12th Imam. A brief explanation; according to Islamic belief, an Imam is an anointed leader or ruler. Amongst Shia Islamists, an Imam is believed to be a prayer leader or cleric who is anointed by the Islamic prophet Allah and a perfect example being able to lead mankind in every way. The 12th Imam, according to some Shia Muslims including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is a great spiritual saviour. This saviour has a name; Muhammad al Mahdi. This Mahdi was born around 868 A.D. but devout Shiites believe he continues to guide Muslims. Mahdi’s followers are often called ‘Twelvers’. Some devout Shiite Muslims believe him to be a direct descendant of the prophet Mohammed. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is seemingly, a deeply committed Shiite Muslim and has spoken often and openly about praying for the return al Mahdi, his saviour. He believes that the 12th Imam is coming soon and that he is the chosen one. Chosen by Allah himself to bring about the Mahdi’s return; which is to be hastened by creating chaos throughout the world. 

So now do you see why people like I am concerned by President Ahmadinejad's desire for nuclear weapons. It's not just Israel that he wants to destroy, it really is everything!