Rouhani's Reaction to Trump's Remarks: You Spoke Your Heart About Iran

The President of Iran reacted to the statements of his American counterpart, who announced that the reason for the continued presence of U.S. forces in Iraq was to keep an eye on Tehran. Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday, February 5, addressing Donald Trump, "You want to monitor the power of Russia, China, and Iran." He added, "You say in a vulgar and undiplomatic language that we will stay in Iraq." He continued, "Previously, you said we are in Iraq to fight terrorism, but how good it is that you spoke your heart and said we will stay in Iraq to watch Iran." Rouhani emphasized that U.S. forces also remain in Afghanistan for the same purpose. He stated, "If you have naval and air forces, why do you occupy the soil of another country? Why do you lie? You want to monitor the power of Russia, China, and Iran." On Sunday, the U.S. President told CBS that he intends to maintain the 'fantastic' U.S. base in Iraq, which was used in the fight against ISIS, to keep an eye on Iran. In response to these remarks, Barham Salih, the President of Iraq, stated that Donald Trump did not seek permission from Iraq for this matter and that the U.S. should not pursue its priorities in this country. Trump, while emphasizing the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq, defended the withdrawal of these forces from Syria. The U.S. President said, "Now that ISIS has been largely defeated, regional countries, including Turkey, will easily be able to deal with its remnants." However, the U.S. Senate, in a symbolic vote, criticized Trump's decision regarding the return of American forces from Syria and Afghanistan, warning about a 'hasty withdrawal' from the region. In another part of his speech, Hassan Rouhani continued his criticism of the U.S., stating that Americans will never be able to turn Iran back to the past and that Iran is moving forward. He mentioned that "the Iranian nation stands firm for its ideals" and accused the United States of wanting to return Iran to 'forty years ago,' adding that 'this regression is impossible.' Iran is currently in the fortieth anniversary of the victory of the 1979 revolution, while relations between Tehran and Washington have not only not improved during this period but have become more hostile with the rise of Donald Trump and criticism of Iran's foreign policy actions. The U.S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran, reached during Rouhani's administration, in May of this year and reinstated two rounds of crippling sanctions against Tehran that had been suspended as a result of the JCPOA.