Iran on Monday said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks about Tehran’s leaders are an “interference in Iran’s state matters.”
“Pompeo’s speech on Sunday was a clear interference in Iran’s state matters,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told the Tasnim news agency, according to Reuters. “Such policies will unite Iranians who will overcome plots against their country.”
Pompeo on Sunday derided the Iranian government, comparing its leaders to a “mafia” and calling them “hypocritical holy men.”
“The level of corruption and wealth among regime leaders shows that Iran is run by something that resembles the mafia more than a government,” Pompeo said during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
He offered unspecified support for the Iranian protesters who have held multiple rallies in recent weeks.
“The specific grievances differ,” Pompeo said. “But all those voicing dissatisfaction share one thing: They have been ill-treated by a Revolutionary regime. Iranians want to be governed with dignity, accountability and consent.”
The Trump administration since May has mounted a pressure campaign against Tehran, calling out its leaders for corruption and exploitation while offering support for the protesters.
President Trump in May pulled back from the Iran nuclear deal, which eased sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear program. The U.S.’s departure from the deal has left Iran vulnerable to heavy sanctions, escalating tensions between the two countries.
Rouhani on Sunday reportedly told a group of diplomats that war with Iran is the mother of all wars.
“America should know that peace with Iran is the mother of all peace, and war with Iran is the mother of all wars,” he said, according to Reuters.
Trump late on Sunday responded to these reports, warning Rouhani in all caps that he should “NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE.”
Some Iranians took to Twitter on Sunday night following Pompeo’s remarks, posting criticism of the U.S. posture towards Iran with the hashtag #StopMeddlingInIran.