Rouhani urges unity to fight US ‘psycho war’
October 27, 2018 - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for unity among Iranians in order to overcome economic hardship and defeat the United States in its “psychological war” against the Islamic Republic.
“The US aim is to disappoint the Iranian nation by creating economic problems and launching psychological war,” Rouhani told parliament, urging the nation stand united to “bring the US to its knees in all political, economic and social spheres.”
Rouhani said the US was isolated among its traditional allies in its confrontation with Iran, and that even Europe was siding with Tehran against the reimposition of US sanctions.
"It does not happen often that the US makes a decision and its traditional allies abandon it," he said.
The US reintroduced sanctions against Iran’s currency trade, metals and auto sectors in August after President Donald Trump pulled out of the multinational 2015 deal that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Iran’s nuclear program.
European countries have criticized the US withdrawal from the accord and have been putting together a package of economic measures to help offset the US pressures on Tehran, which have contributed to the economic volatility in the country.
US curbs on Iran’s vital oil exports are set to come into force on Nov. 4.
Rouhani was speaking at the start of a parliament session to discuss a cabinet reshuffle which includes a proposed new economy minister, academic Farhad Dejpasand, who is widely seen as a technocrat, and three other economy-linked ministers.
The economy has weakened in the past year, suffering rising inflation and unemployment, and a slump in the rial currency.
“What we have witnessed in recent weeks and months is the decisive victory of the Iranian nation against US conspiracies,” Rouhani said.
“Undoubtedly, we have gained a rare historic victory in the world politically,” he said.
“Our nation has the upper hand politically. The world recognizes Iran as a country that adheres to its commitments and the US as a country that does not live up to its promises and violates international regulations,” the president said referring to Iran’s adherence to the nuclear agreement that was approved by more than ten times by the UN nuclear agency.
"A year ago no one would have believed ... that Europe would stand with Iran and against America," Rouhani said.
"Russia, China, India, the European Union, and some African and Latin American countries are our friends. We have to work with them and attract investments," Rouhani added.