Rouhani Calls America a 'Sponsor of Terrorism' in Response to Trump's Remarks

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, has referred to the United States as a 'sponsor and supporter of terrorism' in response to comments made by Donald Trump, the U.S. presidential candidate. According to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Rouhani stated during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, December 9, without directly mentioning Trump or the U.S., that 'today, individuals around the world, under the pretext of fighting terrorism, declare that Muslims should not be allowed into other countries.' He added, 'Meanwhile, they themselves are among the founders and supporters of terrorism, having initiated this problem in the world and supporting terrorists.' Rouhani also emphasized the need for accountability for those who 'support terrorism and assist terrorists.' This is one of the few times Rouhani has labeled the U.S. as a 'sponsor and founder of terrorism' in his capacity as President, although Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, has consistently accused the U.S. of supporting terrorism. His remarks were a reaction to Trump's call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S. following a recent terrorist incident in America, where Trump suggested that lawmakers should understand what the problem is. Although Trump is one of the candidates in the Republican Party for the U.S. presidential election, his comments have provoked negative reactions from other candidates and prominent figures in his party, as well as from members of the Democratic Party and the U.S. government. In Iran, in addition to the President, Morteza Sarmadi, Deputy Foreign Minister, criticized Trump's remarks, stating that 'Islamophobia in the West does not help in the fight against terrorism.' According to IRNA, Sarmadi described such comments as a 'gift to extremist groups.'