Iran’s foreign minister tweeted in defiance at Trump.
By World Israel News Staff
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reacted to President Donald Trump’s warning tweet on Sunday that war would mean an “official end of Iran.”
“Economic terrorism & genocidal taunts won’t ‘end Iran,’” Zarif tweeted.
Zarif likened Trump’s threats to “other aggressors” who failed to conquer Iran, such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan.
Zarif’s choice of historical examples may be considered unfortunate as both Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan in fact conquered the area now known as Iran.
“Never threaten an Iranian,” Zarif also said in his tweet, adding “Try respect—it works!”
The U.S. has increasingly put the squeeze on Iran economically. Most recently, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Iran’s iron, steel, aluminum and cooper sectors. These add to already heavy sanctions on Iran’s oil sector. By most accounts, the sanctions are taking a toll.
The U.S. also moved a carrier strike group into position in the Persian Gulf should Iran attempt to damage U.S. assets in the region.
The purpose of U.S. pressure is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Last year, Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, saying it was “an embarrassment” and only halted Iran’s nuclear ambitions for a limited period.