Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US Edition

https://vidostream.com

Iranian MPs set fire to US flag after Donald Trump scrapped the Iran nuclear deal

IRAN says Donald Trump “can’t do a damn thing” after he dumped the nuclear deal as MPs burnt the US flag, shouting, “death to America!”
Iranian MPs burning a US flag in the parliament in Tehran. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

Iranian MPs burning a US flag in the parliament in Tehran. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

IRAN’S supreme leader has chastised US President Donald Trump over his decision to pull America out of the 2015 nuclear deal, while politicians lit a paper US flag on fire inside parliament, shouting, “death to America!” 

The government backlash reflected broad public anger in Iran over Mr Trump’s decision, which threatens to destroy the landmark agreement.

While Iranian officials, including the parliament speaker, say they hope Europe will work with them to preserve the deal, many are pessimistic.

In comments before school teachers, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Mr Trump: “You cannot do a damn thing!”

The exhortation from Mr Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, follows a pattern of Iranian leaders declaring their nation’s ability to resist foreign pressure or interference. Mr Khamenei described Mr Trump’s speech announcing his decision as having “over 10 lies,” without elaborating on them.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Picture: AFP
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

He also said Mr Trump’s remarks threatened both Iran’s people and its theocratic government. “The body of this man, Trump, will turn to ashes and become the food of the worms and ants, while the Islamic Republic continues to stand,” Mr Khamenei said.

Earlier, the politicians, including a Shiite cleric, held the flaming flag alight as their colleagues joined their chants.

They also burned a piece of paper representing the nuclear deal and stomped on the papers’ ashes.

While US flag-burning is common in Iran and harsh criticism of America has been a staple of Iranian parliamentary politics for years, it was the first time political observers could remember anything being burned inside the parliament itself.

Iranian MPs chanting US slogans at the parliament in Tehran. Picture: AFP
Iranian MPs chanting US slogans at the parliament in Tehran. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

The 2015 agreement imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in return for the lifting of most US and international sanctions.

However, the deal came with time limits and did not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for militant groups across the region branded as terrorists by the West.

Mr Trump has repeatedly pointed to those omissions in referring to the accord as the “worst deal ever.”

Proponents of the deal have said those time limits were meant to encourage more discussion with Iran in the future that could eventually address other concerns.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and US President Donald Trump. Picture: Supplied
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and US President Donald Trump. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

Late on Tuesday night, President Hassan Rouhani said he’d be sending Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the countries still in the deal — China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom.

Iran hopes the European Union will pass laws to protect European firms from any potential US sanctions. EU officials have suggested they’ll do what they can to salvage the agreement.

Still, Mr Rouhani made a point of stressing that Iran, at any time, could resume its nuclear program.

“If necessary, we can begin our industrial enrichment without any limitations,” the Iranian leader said. “Until implementation of this decision, we will wait for some weeks and will talk with our friends and allies and other signatories of the nuclear deal, who signed it and who will remain loyal to it. Everything depends on our national interests.”

After the flag burning, parliament speaker Ali Larijani said responsibility for saving the deal fell on the EU and other world powers still in the accord.

“The period is only a window in which the EU can prove if it has enough weight for settling international issues,” he said.

US President Donald Trump signs a document reinstating sanctions against Iran after announcing the US withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear deal. Picture: AFP
US President Donald Trump signs a document reinstating sanctions against Iran after announcing the US withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear deal. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

Mr Larijani also urged the country’s nuclear agency to prepare for “resumption of all aspects of nuclear activities.”

Mr Khamenei questioned whether Europe had the will or the ability to save the nuclear deal.

“I do not trust these three countries,” he said, apparently referring to France, Germany and Britain. “If you succeed in getting guarantees (from them), then, no problem, go ahead. If you cannot, then it is not possible to continue in this way.”

Many Iranians are worried about what Mr Trump’s decision could mean for their country.

The Iranian rial is already trading on the black market at 66,000 to the dollar, despite a government-set rate of 42,000 rials. Many say they have not seen any benefits from the nuclear deal.

Iran’s poor economy and unemployment sparked nationwide protests in December and January that saw at least 25 people killed and, reportedly, nearly 5000 arrested.



Source: News Corp Australia Network:

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second