While most of the world was watching nuclear talks between Iran and the US on Monday in Geneva, the Islamic Republic�s military was pursuing a far different campaign.

The head of Iran�s armed forces, General Hassan Firouzabadi (pictured),�explained to reporters�on Monday that the Islamic State, which has taken territory across Iraq and Syria and carried out attacks elsewhere, was founded by Israel with help from Washington and London.

�The phenomenon of the ISIL is a terroristic move that has been created against our neighbors in Iraq, Syria, and other Muslim countries by Zionism, Britain and the US,� he said.

Deputy Chief of Staff, General Mostafa Izadi,�echoed in a speech�in western Iran, �The moves by the Islamic State to strengthen the Zionist regime shows the nature of the Takfiri [deviant Muslim] current.�

Izadi declared that the main goal of the Islamic State and the �Takfiri current� is to �taint the image of �genuine Islam to prevent its progress in the hearts of Europeans�.

The military�s statements come as Iran is under increasing economic pressure and stress in the region, especially over the four-year Syrian crisis.

Iran is trying to cope with the plea of the Assad regime for an extension of a $3.6 billion line of credit, due to expire soon. It has increased military assistance, both in equipment and manpower, but has lost commanders and fighters among an Israeli airstrikes, rebel attacks, and failed regime offensives.

By EA WorldView