Anti-U.S. slogans were also chanted – just a day after Iran’s supreme leader explained that the familiar “Death to America” refrain was aimed at policies, not people.
Advertisement
“[The] aim of the slogan is not death to American people”, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, according to The Associated Press”.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the persistence of the U.S. government’s all-out activities against the Islamic Republic, saying: “They have gradually realized that the reason behind the nation’s resistance lies in religious beliefs and convictions”. Slamming American superiority, he said “death” is directed to the American policies and arrogance.
The video was released just days after Iran tested a new precision-guided ballistic missile, the Emad, which will be the its first weapon able to accurately strike targets in its arch-enemy Israel. As a message to others within the administration and other moderate political figures who advocate for better relations with the United States, Khamenei said, “Some should understand that friendship and relations with the United States will not end American hostilities and conspiracies”.
Khamenei’s remarks come as Iran readies for the 36 anniversary of its hostage standoff with the U.S.in 1979.
In what appeared to be a warning to opponents, President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday criticised recent arrests carried out in the name of the fight against “infiltration”.
The American people must become aware of the hard truth that today many nations in the world view the American government as the biggest threat to world peace.
“If the people start thinking our nuclear deal means we can make a deal (with the United States) on other issues, this is a mistake and sedition”, IRGC commander Major-General Mohammad Ali Jafari said on Monday.
Foreign firms are poised to return to Iran following the lifting of worldwide sanctions under the nuclear deal, but it remains unclear whether American brands will be allowed in.
The campaign, dubbed “Why Down With US?” has already sparked thousands of posts by Iranians, according to Iran’s state-controlled Mehr News Agency.
Although many politicians deride the call for destruction of America, Iran’s supreme leader doesn’t get what all of the fuss is about. Most of the Iranian diplomats who negotiated the nuclear accord over almost two years of talks are graduates of US colleges.
Iranians flooded the streets outside of the former USA embassy in Tehran to celebrate the 36-year anniversary of its capture.
Iran has denied the reports on removing centrifuges from its Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities. Many foreign firms, especially German companies, are eager to reestablish business ties with Iran, but the business world must contend with human rights sanctions that will continue to be a barrier to economic progress.
Advertisement
Khamenei also utilized these assertions to justify the continued use of the phrase “death to America” in state-organized demonstrations and official gatherings.
