MEMORANDUM **

Edmond Isayan, a native of Iran and citizen of Armenia, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ summary affirmance of an immigration judge’s (“IJ”) denial of his applications for asylum and withholding of removal. We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252. We review for substantial evidence an adverse credibility finding and will uphold the IJ’s decision unless the evidence compels a contrary conclusion. Malhi v. INS, 336 F.3d 989, 992-93 (9th Cir. 2003). We deny the petition.

Substantial evidence supports the IJ’s decision. Isayan’s testimony was inconsistent with his asylum application. The discrepancies relate to the basis of his alleged fear of persecution and go to the heart of his asylum claim. See Chebchoub v. INS, 257 F.3d 1038, 1043 (9th Cir. 2001); see also Pal v. INS, 204 F.3d 935, 938 (9th Cir. 2000).

By failing to qualify for asylum, Isayan necessarily failed to satisfy the more stringent standard for withholding of removal. See Fisher v. INS, 79 F.3d 955, 961 (9th Cir. 1996) (en banc).

PETITION FOR REVIEW DENIED.