Iranians Hold Nationwide Rallies to Condemn Trump’s Anti-Iran Move
Fars News Agency – Iran: Iranians took to the streets across the country to vent their anger at the US over its withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal and President Donald Trump’s rhetoric against Tehran.
The Iranian protesters in Tehran and other cities carried placards which read “Trump, you are talking nonsense”. They also chanted “Death to America”, “Death to Israel” and “We fight, we die, but we do not accept any compromise.”
The Iranians’ show of unity came following Trump’s pullout from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Tuesday and his announcement that the US would re-impose nuclear sanctions against the Islamic Republic. In a relevant development on Wednesday, Iranian students and lawmakers took to the Azadi Square in the capital Tehran, setting fire to US flags and shouting anti-US slogans. Iranian lawmakers also set the Stars and Stripes ablaze at an open session of the parliament and burnt symbolic copies of the nuclear agreement.
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US will no longer remain part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and promised to re-impose the highest level of economic sanctions against Iran in response to Tehran’s development of its nuclear program.
After Trump’s declaration, President Rouhani said he has ordered his atomic chief to stay on alert to resume suspended nuclear activities, stressing that Tehran will stay in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with other signatories if only other parties to the deal ensure all its interests and economic merits.
While stressing that Trump’s decision was a historical experience for Iran, Rouhani noted that the US president has a history of undermining international treaties. Rouhani also noted that Iran would remain in the nuclear deal without the US’ presence for the next few weeks to see results of negotiations with Europeans.
Rouhani added that he has ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to be prepared for resuming nuclear enrichment at the industrial level. “I have ordered AEOI to go ahead with adequate preparations to resume enrichment at the industrial level without any limit,” he said. He further added that from now on everything depends on Iran’s national interests. “Trump’s decision was the beginning of a psychological war against Iran, our heroic people will not be affected by this psychological attack,” said Rouhani.
Rouhani also noted that from now on the JCPOA is between Iran and the five remaining countries, but stressed that Iran would stay under the deal if all its interests are met. He further noted that the Iranian Foreign Ministry would be negotiating with European countries, Russia, and China in the coming weeks.
Also, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump’s move, referring to it as “unlawful”, while adding that the outcome of further diplomatic efforts will determine Iran’s response.
In response to US persistent violations and unlawful withdrawal from the nuclear deal, as instructed by President Rouhani, I’ll spearhead a diplomatic effort to examine whether remaining JCPOA participants can ensure its full benefits for Iran. Outcome will determine our response.
“In response to US persistent violations & unlawful withdrawal from the nuclear deal, as instructed by President Rouhani, I’ll spearhead a diplomatic effort to examine whether remaining JCPOA participants can ensure its full benefits for Iran. Outcome will determine our response,” he tweeted.
The European Union, France, Britain and Germany have expressed regret over Trump’s decision about the deal. Iran has on numerous occasions asserted that its nuclear program is merely peaceful and not meant to make nukes.
