TEHRAN: Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, speaking at the closing ceremony of the 40th international Quran competition in Tehran, denounced the United States as the center of the Axis of Evil. He criticized Washington’s veto of UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the importance of Islamic countries adhering to Quranic teachings to prevent such actions. Raeisi emphasized the need for Islamic nations to unite around the Quran, the Prophet, and the Ahl al-Bayt, suggesting it as a solution to global injustices. He praised the resilience of Gazans against Israeli aggression, attributing their steadfastness to Quranic teachings.