Iran defiant as it holds day of anti-Israel protests in Tehran

TEHRAN: Iran held its annual day of protest against Israel, determined to show defiance at a time of mounting pressure from the United States and its regional allies.

“The US, Saudi Arabia and Israel want to put Iran in a corner, but they don’t know that with this action they are threatening their own security,” said parliament speaker Ali Larijani, addressing a crowd in Tehran.

Thousands took to the streets in the capital and other cities for Qods (Jerusalem) Day, held every year since the early days of Iran’s Islamic revolution to show support for the Palestinians.

This year’s event saw the usual burning of flags and chants of ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel’, as well as a huge Donald Trump figure being hanged from a crane. But it comes at a time when Iran is under increasing economic pressure after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal and prepares to reimpose crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic – a move that has been cheer-led by Israel.

“The supreme leader told us we should come in large numbers to show the world that the actions of the US and Israel will not have any effect on our people,” said Hassan Dorabi, a 30-year- old teacher.

The mood, as ever, was a mix of political rage and family fun, with children singing songs on stages and throwing darts at portraits of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman. — AFP