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Iran condemns US show of support for ‘rioters’
TEHRAN, Nov 18, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Iran condemned the United States’ support
for “rioters” in a statement issued late Sunday, after two days of violent
protests in the Islamic republic against a petrol price hike.
The foreign ministry said that it was reacting to US Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo’s “expression of support… for a group of rioters in some cities
of Iran and condemned such support and interventionist remarks”.
Protests erupted in Iran on Friday, hours after it was announced the price
of petrol would rise to 15,000 rials a litre (12 US cents) from 10,000 for
the first 60 litres and to 30,000 rials for any extra fuel bought after that
each month.
In a tweet on Saturday, Pompeo said in response to the demonstrations that
“the United States is with you”.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi slammed his comments in
Sunday night’s statement.
“The dignified people of Iran know well that such hypocritical remarks do
not carry any honest sympathy,” Mousavi was quoted as saying.
“The acts of a rioter and saboteur group supported by the likes of (Pompeo)
have no congruity with the conduct of the wise Iranian people.”
The statement blasted Washington’s “ill-intent” over its decision to
reimpose sanctions on Tehran after the US withdrawal in May last year from
the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
“It’s curious that the sympathising is being done with the people who are
under the pressure of America’s economic terrorism,” Mousavi said.
BSS/AFP/FI/1408 hrs