TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday regretted that certain people are calling for a ban on the entrance of Muslims to their countries on the pretext of countering terrorism, saying such states are themselves the sponsors of terror.

�Unfortunately, certain people ..., under the pretext of fighting terrorism, are proposing that Muslims should not be permitted to enter other countries,� Rouhani said in a cabinet meeting here in Tehran.

�This is while they themselves are among the sponsors and supporters of terrorism, have caused the problem in the world, and are supporting terrorists,� he added.

He further urged accountability on the part of those who have backed terrorists.

The Iranian president seemed to be hinting at US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had on Monday called for blocking Muslims, including would-be immigrants, students, tourists and other visitors, from entering the US following last week�s California shooting spree by two individuals who authorities said were radicalized.

President Rouhani also lashed out at certain regional states for their bad policies, which he said have deepened the rifts in the Middle East.

He called on such countries to avoid moves that are detrimental to the world�s Muslim population.

�We should try to propagate and introduce the religion of mercy the Prophet of Islam gifted to people,� Rouhani went on to say.

By Tasnim News Agency