Trump on Iran: 'Oppressive regimes cannot endure forever'

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US President Donald Trump weighed in on protests in Iran on Saturday (Dec 30), warning on social media that the country's people want change and "oppressive regimes cannot endure forever."

CGTN Photo

The protests come amid growing discontent over rising prices and alleged corruption, as well as concern about the Islamic Republic’s costly involvement in regional conflicts such as those in Syria and Iraq.

Hundreds of counter-protesters also amassed outside the university entrance, chanting "death to the seditionists" in a show of support for the regime.

Videos shared by social media users outside Iran, but which could not be independently verified, claimed to show thousands marching peacefully against the regime in several cities including Khorramabad, Zanjan and Ahvaz, with chants of "death to the dictator."

"The entire world understands that the good people of Iran want change, and, other than the vast military power of the United States, that Iran's people are what their leaders fear the most," Trump said, again quoting from his UN speech.

Trump also tweeted in support of the protesters late Friday, prompting Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahran Ghasemi to dismiss his remarks as "opportunistic."

(Top video image: File Photo)

Source(s): AFP