Iran urges Egyptians to remain vigilant against enemy opportunism

Tehran has called on the Egyptians to remain vigilant in the face of divisive enemy plots, expressing hope that the current developments in the African country would play out in favor of the nation’s interests.

On Thursday, Araqchi voiced optimism that “the resilient Egyptian nation, thanks to its prudence and deep understanding of the difficult situation ahead, would hold at bay the opportunism of foreigners and enemies of Egypt’s independence and grandeur.”

He stressed the importance of respect for the Egyptians’ legitimate demands and reinforcement of national unity, urging the Egyptian people to avoid violence.

Iran is following the developments in Egypt and respects the Egyptian people’s political will, Araqchi added.

The spokesman expressed hope that the demands of the Egyptian people, parties, and political groups would be heeded through a democratic path, and the ground prepared for Egyptians from all walks of life to have a say in running the country’s affairs.

After days of massive anti-government protests in Egypt, the military overthrew the country’s President Mohamed Morsi. Egyptian Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced late on Wednesday that Morsi was no longer in office.

In his late night speech on state television, Sisi declared Head of Supreme Constitutional Court Adly Mansour as the interim president, suspended the country’s constitution and announced early parliamentary elections.

Following Sisi’s speech, police began arresting key presidential aides and the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood.

A senior Egyptian Army official said on Thursday that Morsi is being held “preventively” by the military.