Support from Bernie Sanders, Clinton, and Graham for Protesters in Iran

As protests continue in Iran, several other political figures in the United States have expressed their support for the peaceful demonstrations and citizens of Iran. Bernie Sanders, the senator from Vermont and a candidate in the Democratic presidential primaries, is among the U.S. political figures who have voiced support for the 'right to protest' of citizens in Iran. Mr. Sanders wrote on his Twitter account: 'It is the right of all people to protest against their government. The Iranian government must respect this right and listen to the voices of thousands of Iranians who are protesting across the country for better opportunities and a better future.' Hillary Clinton, Mr. Sanders' rival in the Democratic primaries and a former candidate against Donald Trump, also expressed support for the protesters in Iran just hours before him. Ms. Clinton tweeted: 'The people of Iran, especially the youth, are protesting for the freedom and future they deserve.' She added: 'I hope their government responds peacefully and supports their expectations.' Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator, is another individual who has spoken about the protests in Iran in recent hours. Senator Graham stated on CBS that the citizens of Iran are not benefiting from the lifting of sanctions following the nuclear agreement. He added that the Iranian government is spending the revenue from the lifting of sanctions on military affairs and 'creating instability in the Middle East.' This Republican senator advised Donald Trump, the President of the United States, to act contrary to the policies of former President Barack Obama, who 'said he did not want to get involved [in the protests].' He further stated, 'The people of Iran are not our enemy. The Ayatollah is the enemy of the world.' In recent days, several U.S. lawmakers have supported the peaceful protesters and protests in Iran. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, in a recent tweet on Sunday referring to 'widespread protests in Iran' wrote: 'The people are finally realizing how their money and wealth are being stolen and spent on terrorism. It seems it will not remain this way any longer.' On the other hand, the Iranian government has reacted to these statements. Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, on December 31, without naming the U.S. President, stated that he 'called the Iranian nation terrorists a few months ago' and 'has no right to show sympathy for the people of Iran.' The recent protests in Iran expanded further on Saturday, and during the violence, at least two people lost their lives in the city of Doroud in Lorestan province. The initial protests, which had an economic aspect, quickly took on a political nature, with protesters chanting against the leader of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian government.