Pompeo's Reaction to Rouhani's Remarks at the Islamic Unity Conference: Tehran Will Become More Isolated

The U.S. Secretary of State reacted to Hassan Rouhani's comments regarding the U.S. and Israel during the Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, stating that these remarks "increase the isolation of the regime, both in the world and among the people of Iran." Rouhani criticized Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the U.S. in his speech on November 24, saying, "If we unite, we can undoubtedly achieve victory against the Zionists and Americans." He referred to Israel as a "cancerous tumor" and described it as a "fake regime." These statements echo similar remarks made by several senior officials of the Islamic Republic in the past and present. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a former president of Iran, had previously spoken of the "elimination of Israel." Mike Pompeo, in a statement released on December 5, referred to Rouhani's remarks as "inviting war" and stated that they fuel the crisis in the region. Rouhani also encouraged Muslims worldwide to unite against the U.S., which Pompeo described as a "dangerous and irresponsible step that further isolates Iran." He added, "The Iranian government, when repeatedly calling for the death of millions, including Muslims, is not a friend of the U.S. or Israel. The people of Iran know this well and do not agree with their government; a government that has poorly represented this nation to the world for 39 years." Pompeo stated, "The people have suffered greatly under this oppressive regime." Prior to these comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reacted on Twitter to Rouhani's statements, saying, "Israel knows how to defend itself against the bloodthirsty Iranian regime." He added that Rouhani's hateful remarks about the destruction of Israel once again proved why the international community should join sanctions against the terrorist regime of Iran, which also threatens them. Additionally, the European Union, which supports the nuclear agreement with Tehran contrary to the current U.S. and Israeli government, criticized Rouhani's remarks, describing them as "completely unacceptable" and contrary to the global need to face challenges through dialogue and international standards. The Austrian Chancellor was another senior European official who condemned Rouhani's speech as "strongly condemned."