Continued Support from American Legislators for Protests in Iran

Following the expansion of protests against the government and economic conditions in various cities in Iran, several members of the U.S. Congress have called for support for these protests. In this context, Senator Ted Cruz expressed solidarity with the protesters on Saturday. Various cities in Iran have witnessed protests against the economic situation and government policies over the past three days. These protests initially began on Thursday in Mashhad and several other cities, continued on Friday, and reports indicate that protests were also held on Saturday in Tehran and several other cities. In this regard, Republican Senator Ted Cruz issued a statement on Saturday, January 9, supporting the protests in Iran. This Republican senator stated: 'I stand with the people of Iran; those who bravely took to the streets to protest against the oppressive and ruthless government.' Senator Cruz added: 'These protests show the world that the Iranian government prefers to finance and export terrorism abroad rather than addressing the basic needs of its people, especially funding its terrorist agents in Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.' This Republican senator stated that the people of Iran seek freedom and an end to the reign of terror and fear of the Ayatollahs. Ted Cruz further criticized the Obama administration's approach during the nuclear deal with Iran, saying: 'The reduction of sanctions enabled by Obama’s disastrous nuclear deal only filled the pockets of the mullahs, whose demands are solely to spread an ideology of hatred, and they will do anything to kill Americans, Israelis, and our allies from Europe to the Middle East.' He added: 'I urge the Trump administration to do everything possible to support these brave protesters and call on all freedom-loving nations around the world to stand behind the people of Iran and support them publicly.' President Donald Trump also warned yesterday that the world is watching the Iranian government's behavior towards its citizens. Several members of Congress also supported the protests in Iran yesterday. In this context, Paul Ryan, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, emphasized that it is important to support peaceful protests in Iran. The Speaker of the House also stressed that this is the result of the regime's behavior, which focuses on supporting terrorist organizations instead of solving citizens' problems. Republican Senator Tom Cotton also called for 'support' for the protests of the Iranian people on Thursday. In this statement, Senator Cotton criticized the Islamic Republic's policies in the region, stating: 'The Ayatollahs [ruling Iran] have not been able to meet the basic needs of their people even after receiving billions of dollars from the lifting of sanctions, perhaps because much of this money has been spent on their militant campaigns in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.'