Iran Warns Israel, U.S., Saudi Arabia: Cross Red Lines and We Will Destroy You
Iran will destroy the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia if they cross Tehran’s red lines, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami said in a televised speech on Monday.
“We have shown restraint … we have shown patience towards the hostile moves of America, the Zionist regime (Israel) and Saudi Arabia against the Islamic Republic of Iran … but we will destroy them if they cross our red lines,” said Hossein Salami.
Thousands of supporters of Iran’s clerical establishment rallied in Tehran on Monday, accusing the United States and Israel of instigating the most violent anti-government protests for a over a decade in the Islamic Republic.
Thousands of young and working-class Iranians took to the streets on Nov. 15 after gasoline price hikes of at least 50% were announced, voicing outrage at a further squeeze on living costs compounding hardships imposed by renewed U.S. sanctions.
Protesters quickly expanded their demands to include a removal of leaders seen as unaccountable and corrupt. Violence erupted with at least 100 banks and dozens of buildings torched, the worst disturbances since unrest over alleged election fraud was crushed in 2009, with dozens killed by security forces.
On Monday, state television carried live footage of demonstrators chanting “Death to America,” and “Death to Israel”, while marching toward Tehran’s Revolution Square to hear a speech by a commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards.
State television and the foreign ministry had promoted the government-organised rally since Sunday in response to Western statements of support for the fuel price protests.
State television and the foreign ministry had promoted the government-organised rally since Sunday in response to Western statements of support for the fuel price protests.
“Death to the dictator. Time for you to step down!” chanted protesters in social media videos posted by Iranians from inside the country. The images could not be verified by Reuters.
Read more: Haaretz