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Iran defiant as it holds day of anti-Israel protests
TEHRAN, June 8, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Iran held its annual day of protest
against Israel on Friday, determined to show defiance at a time of mounting
pressure from the United States and its regional allies.
“The US, Saudi Arabia and Israel want to put Iran in a corner, but they
don’t know that with this action they are threatening their own security,”
said parliament speaker Ali Larijani, addressing a crowd in Tehran.
Thousands took to the streets in the capital and other cities for Qods
(Jerusalem) Day, held every year since the early days of Iran’s Islamic
revolution to show support for the Palestinians.
This year’s event saw the usual burning of flags and chants of “Death to
America” and “Death to Israel”, as well as a huge Donald Trump figure being
hanged from a crane.
But it comes at a time when Iran is under increasing economic pressure
after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal and prepares to reimpose
crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic — a move that has been cheer-led
by Israel.
“The supreme leader told us we should come in large numbers to show the
world that the actions of the US and Israel will not have any effect on our
people,” said Hassan Dorabi, a 30-year-old teacher.
The mood, as ever, was a mix of political rage and family fun, with
children singing songs on stages and throwing darts at portraits of Israeli
leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman.
Many were adamant that Iran is merely supporting the Palestinian people,
and is not planning a military attack as Israel fears.
“We have never in our history started a war against any country and we are
not going to in the future,” said Hassan Ruholamini, a 33-year-old artist.
Afateh Salehi, a 58-year-old army employee, said Iranians “want all people
to live in peace together”.
“We don’t want any country to attack another. We are not animals. We could
live with Israel but today they want to destroy the countries around them
piece by piece,” he said.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1620 hrs