Iranian president blames 'Israeli and American campaign' for economic slump
With Iranians protesting against government's inability to fix waning economy as US sanctions close in, President Rouhani blames arch enemies, vows 'we will never surrendered to the US.'
“We will not surrender to the United States. I kiss the hand of every person in the Iranian nation and we say to the world that our regime cannot be undermined,” the president said against a background of the collapse of the national currency and as Tehran grows increasingly nervous with site of mass demonstrations in the streets.
Rouhani’s opponents argue that he has failed in his attempts to improve the economic situation in Iran, despite the removal of sanctions that accompanied the 2015 nuclear accord signed by the Islamic republic and other world powers under former US president Barack Obama’s leadership.
On Monday, protesters angered by Iran's cratering economy confronted police in front of parliament, with security forces firing tear gas at them, according to online videos, the first such confrontation after similar demonstrations rocked the country at the start of the year.
"Even in the worst case, I promise that the basic needs of Iranians will be provided. We have enough sugar, wheat, and cooking oil. We have enough foreign currency to inject into the market," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television.
Rouhani said the fresh US sanctions were part of a "psychological, economic and political war", adding that Washington would pay a high price for its actions.
"Withdrawal was the worst decision he (Trump) could make. It was appalling. It hurt America's global reputation," he said.
The Iranian president has found himself under pressure from both the general public and officials in the regime, who have grown impatient with his lack of success and angry with perceived hypocrisy.
Citizens criticized Rouhani after he was pictured wearing western sports brands despite urging Iranians to only purchase local products to strengthen the economy.
In a defiant declaration, Rouhani also promised Wednesday that the government would survive until the conclusion of its term.
He also told his listeners that the government would soon present a five-point work plan that would address unemployment levels, job creation, neighborhood projects, boosting Iran’s gross national product and government supervision of prices.
“There is an extremely big opportunity in the private sector, and an important job to deal with the American sanctions,” Rouhani added.
He continued to toe the government line by calling on Iranians to strive to become economically independent and to reduce the need for foreign imports.
The protests in Iran continued for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of security forces in various flashpoints.
Iranians demonstrated in a number of cities, including the capital, Tehran and in Bandar Abbas, Tabriz, Mashhad and Isfahan.
