Expressing concern over massive propaganda against Islam to portray it as the cause of the problem, he said terrorist groups have originated from Wahhabism, Salafism or other radical ideologies and have nothing to do with a specific region or religion, IRNA reported.
Wahhabism and Salafism are both narrow rigid forms of Islam, which accuses other Muslims of being unbelievers.
The senior cleric referred to the negative approach of western countries toward Iran in the past years as a "mistake", which has adversely affected efforts to fight terrorism.
"Opponents of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [as the nuclear deal reached between Iran and world powers last July is formally called], especially Zionists, were taking advantage of the international atmosphere of fear and intimidation [against Iran] to press the US to violate the JCPOA," he said.
"This is while Wahhabi hardliners were financially supporting and advertising in favor of the terrorists. Now, western states have realized that sanctioning Iran would bear no fruit for them and only result in losing economic opportunities," he said.
Pointing to the accomplishments of Iranians in various scientific fields, he said, "The youth, equipped with knowledge, want to demonstrate to the world that the IS has nothing to do with Islam."
Rafsanjani noted that these valuable human resources, combined with the international willingness to cooperate with Iran and the efforts of the current government, will pave the way for development.
Stressing the importance of creating jobs for thousands of educated and unemployed youth, Rafsanjani said one of the requirements is broader cooperation with other countries and taking advantage of their capacities.