Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pushed back on President Trump’s recent warning that Iran is “on notice” for its regional provocations, and told his citizens in a speech on Friday that any nation threatening Iran would come to “regret” doing so.
“Some inexperienced figures in the region and America are threatening Iran … They should know that the language of threats has never worked with Iran,” Rouhani said, according to a Reuters report.
The Iranian president was speaking on the 38th anniversary of the 1979 revolution that made Iran an Islamic Republic. As in previous years, Iranians marked the occasion by marching through the streets of Tehran and chanting “death to America.”
This time, Iranians reportedly carried banners saying “Death to America” and held up effigies of Trump at their demonstration on Friday.
“Our nation is vigilant and will make those threatening Iran regret it … They should learn to respect Iran and Iranians … We will strongly confront any war-mongering policies,” Rouhani said. “This turnout of people is a strong response to false remarks by the new leaders of America.”
Mike Flynn, Trump’s national security advisor, issued a withering statement of caution to Iran on Feb. 1 following its decision to run another ballistic missile test. Flynn also cited Iranian-backed activities in the Red Sea, where militants supported by Tehran have attacked or threatened U.S. and U.S.-allied vessels off the coast of Yemen.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer warned Iran on Tuesday that the current administration would not tolerate as much mischief as its predecessor did. “I think Iran is kidding itself if they don’t realize that there is a new president in town,” Spicer said.
Trump had previously indicated that all options, including military action, are still on the table when dealing with Iranian aggression.
Since striking an agreement with international partners in 2015 that was designed to limit its nuclear program, Iran has continued to test ballistic missiles and provoke allies in the region. Republicans frequently criticized former President Barack Obama for allowing Iran to grow in strength and influence during his tenure.
