Rouhani critical of Trump
September 21, 2017 | Expert Insights
Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran harshly criticized US President Donald Trump and the US during his address to the UN General Assembly.
Rouhani seemingly referred to Trump as a “rogue” newcomer.
Background
United States and Iran do not have any formal diplomatic relations or ties and share an acrimonious relationship. In 1953, the CIA played a key role in orchestrating a coup against Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadeq. Between 1979 and 1981, a group of Iranian students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The 44 hostages were released after 444 days. In 2002, US President, George W Bush, described Iran as being part of the “axis of evil.”
US President Donald Trump has been critical of Iran and the 2015 nuclear deal. During his address at the UN General Assembly, Trump called the nuclear deal an embarrassment to the US. He said, “The Iranian government masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy. It has turned a wealthy country, with a rich history and culture, into an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence, bloodshed, and chaos.”
Analysis
Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran has also been in attendance at the UN General Assembly in New York. Rouhani addressed the UN and seemingly criticized Trump noting, “It will be a great pity if this agreement were destroyed by rogue newcomers to the world of politics. I declare to you the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first country to violate the agreement, but it will respond decisively and resolutely to its violation by any party.”
He also said that the US would completely destroy its credibility if it backs out of the deal and will undermine “international confidence in negotiating with it or accepting its word or promise.” He also called Trump’s speech an “ignorant absurd and hateful” rhetoric. He said, “The ignorant, absurd and hateful rhetoric filled with ridiculously baseless allegations that was uttered before this august body was not only unfit to be heard at the United Nations.”
Rouhani also made it clear that Iran will not engage in any further re-negotiations with the US or the UN in regards to the nuclear deal. He noted that the deal that was signed was a result of tough conversations. He said, “In the last few years, there were extremely tough conversations and dialogue and negotiations that took place with the 5-plus-1 countries, including the United States of America. So after having reached an agreement for years and having obtained and ratified that agreement, we see today that the Americans are seeking an excuse in order to break this agreement. What possible, logical reason would we have to talk to them about any other issues?"
Assessment
Our assessment is that Rouhani has signaled if the US nullifies the nuclear deal, then Iran will no longer be appearing for further negotiations in the future. This could be source of concern for the international community across the world. We feel that in the event of Trump pulling out, he will be violating a Security Council resolution which in effect is an international law. Trump likes to keep people on his toes and playing brinkmanship is part of his grand strategy.
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