Iranians hold nationwide protests against US al-Quds decision
Large groups of Iranians have taken to the streets across the country to protest against US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s “capital.”
Large groups of Iranians have taken to the streets across the country to protest against US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s “capital.”
Protesters in the capital city of Tehran and other cities across the country staged anti-Israeli rallies after Friday prayers.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday defied global warnings and said the US formally recognizes Jerusalem al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel, and will begin the process of moving its embassy to the occupied city, breaking with decades of American policy.
In Tehran, tens of thousands of protesters condemned Trump’s decision, chanting slogans against Israel and the US and expressing support for the Palestinian nation.
The protesters were holding up Palestinian flags and banners saying, “al-Quds belongs to Muslims.” They also burned Israeli and US flags.
‘Intifada sole solution to Palestine issue’
Tehran’s interim Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami called on Muslims around the world to unite against Israel, saying, “We will not leave Palestinians alone.”
Ayatollah Khatami said Trump had drawn a line on years of peace efforts by recognizing Jerusalem al-Quds as the Israeli entity’s “capital.”
“He proved that the cure for the issue of Palestine is only, only, an intifada,” he said. “Only intifadas can turn day into a dark night for the Zionist regime.”
He said the fate of Palestine should be determined in a referendum in which Muslims, Christians and Jews can have their say.
In several cities protesters set effigies of Trump on fire.