Iranians remain united against imperialists, says President Rouhani

IRANIANS remain united against foreign enemies 40 years after the start of the country’s Islamic revolution, said President Hassan Rouhani amid celebrations marking the event.

“We are in a psychological and economic war,” he said, referring to economic sanctions that have been piled on by US President Donald Trump, as well as pressure from Israel and Saudi Arabia. But he said those countries would fail in their efforts to force regime change.

“The people stand behind the ideals of the revolution of 1979 and the Islamic republic after 40 years,” he said.

Rallies were staged across the country to mark the anniversary of the collapse of the monarchy on February 11, 1979, and the declaration of the Islamic Republic. Millions are reported to have turned out.

The official slogan was “Proud of yesterday, full of hope for tomorrow”.

Many also waved banners denouncing the US and Israel.

Trump took to Twitter to post in both English and Farsi against the government in Iran.

“Forty years of corruption. Forty years of repression. Forty years of terror. The regime in Iran has produced only #40YearsofFailure. The long-suffering Iranian people deserve a much brighter future,” Trump posted.

Rouhani said Iranians were not prepared to be dependent upon imperial powers. The country’s military – and its population of 82 million – were stronger than they were 40 years ago and had the strength to stop foreign conspiracies against the country.

He also praised the local defence industry for outfitting the military, noting that 85% of armaments were made in Iran.

“Our armed forces are getting everything they want,” he said, which means they can ward off foreign invasions while keeping the country free of imperialists.

Rouhani did not mention the economic crisis Iran has faced since Trump resumed sanctions last year. Its currency has lost 60% of its value and oil exports have slumped.

Economists say the country should avoid economic collapse, since Iran has managed to diversify its economy. But Rouhani can no longer rely on a 2015 nuclear deal – largely hollowed out by the return of US sanctions – to help the economy. The decline has led hardliners to try to push Rouhani out of office.