Iran's Rouhani urges Iranians to 'put curses' on Israel, US

CAIRO – 20 March 2019: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called on the Iranian people to curse the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

“Put all your curses on those who created the current situation.” He said, referring to President Trump’s decision to walk away from the Nuclear treaty with Iran for its continuous violations.

Rouhani argued the US, Saudi Arabia and “the Zionists”, referring to Israel, were to blame for the Islamic Republic's ongoing economic problems.

In a speech broadcast live on state television, Rouhani said that U.S. sanctions had created difficulties including a weaker currency that has fed into higher inflation.

Rouhani came to power in 2017 promising to improve the economy and foster more open relations with the world, but instead, Tehran continued its policy of meddling in the internal affairs of some Arab countries and financing armed militias such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the IMIS in Iraq.

The international treaty, which was signed by the U.S. under former President Barack Obama as well as by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the European Union, Russia and China, gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for it curbing its nuclear program.

Rouhani’s speech came to merely deflect criticism of his performance amid spiraling economy and protests for government corruption, lack of services and harsh living situations.

The crisis has hurt ordinary Iranians and emboldened Rouhani's critics to openly call for his ouster. Rouhani, who first came to power in 2013, was re-elected for a second term in 2017, promising to improve the economy and foster more open relations with the world.