Iran’s Larijani: Visa ban indicates US’ weakness, fear

Speaking during open session of the parliament on Sunday, Larijani condemned US President Donald Trump’s latest executive order banning nationals of 7 countries, including Iran, from entering the United States, saying the US government is ‘afraid of its own shadow.’

“Trump’s decision demonstrates US violent racist spirit hidden under the pretext of democracy and human rights, otherwise, a country that claims to have the greatest security power, does not make such decisions with anxiety and panic,” Larijani underlined.

He highlighted that bringing Iran’s name in the list under the pretext of fear of terrorist acts is more like a joke. “It is evident that Iran has stood alone against terrorists in recent years, those who were created by US, and later the other countries joined the process,” he noted.

Pointing to Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti’s post boycotting the Academy Awards to protest President Trump’s racist visa ban and to respect Iranian nation, Larijani described her position an example of respect to Iranian national values and a sense of patriotism.

“US government deals with a deep-rooted and civilized nation and these hasty and premature policies would reveal their fears and weaknesses rather than a way to show off their power,” he noted.

Iran, unlike US wrong policies, provides the ground for social communication between the nations and supports for peaceful coexistence of all nations who hold different ideas, based on Islamic values, Larijani said.

“Iran is firm in the fight against terrorism and will never fall for childish acts of some countries,” he noted.

Elsewhere in his speech, he extended his condolences over the tragic Plasco collapse in Tehran leaving 16 firefighters and a number of civilians killed and dozens injured.

He also hailed the efforts of government, Law Enforcement Force, Emergency Medical Services and Municipality of Tehran since the very first day of the accident.