by WorldTribune Staff, August 30, 2018
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, summoned to parliament for the first time since taking office in 2013, admitted that U.S. sanctions have led to economic woes that have Iran’s citizens losing “their faith” in the government.
“The economic problems are critical, but more important than that is that many people have lost their faith in the future of the Islamic Republic and are in doubt about its power,” Rouhani told Iranian lawmakers on Aug. 28.
Member of Parliament Mojtaba Zolnour said that Rouhani had created a “palace of dreams” with the 2015 nuclear deal with former U.S. President Barack Obama. “With one kick from Trump, this palace was demolished, and you didn’t have an alternative.”
Rouhani had been summoned to explain his response to an economic downturn which has sparked widespread anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic.
A number of members from the conservative faction of Iranian parliament have called for Rouhani to face trial over the economic crisis.
Rouhani told parliament that Iran is not mired in an economic crisis.
“It should not be said we are facing a crisis. There is no crisis. If we say there is, it will become a problem for society and then a threat,” he said, adding that “you may talk about employment, foreign currency, recession, smuggling… I think the problem is in people’s view of the future.”
Rouahni continued: “The people are not afraid of the United States, they are afraid of our disagreements. If the people see we are united, they will realize the problems will be resolved. We will not allow a bunch of anti-Iranians who have gathered in the White House to conspire against us.”
After Rouhani reportedly failed to offer any concrete policy proposals to boost Iran’s economy, parliament voted to reject most of his explanations, with some calling for his indictment.
Rouhani said that his regime would continue to defy Trump’s demand that Iran halt its nuclear program and end its support for terrorist groups around the world.
“We are not afraid of America or the economic problems,” Rouhani continued. “We will overcome the troubles. We will not let this bunch of anti-Iranians in the White House be able to plot against us.”
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