Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said US hostility towards Iran will not end when President Trump leaves office during a speech on Wednesday.
“The hostility is not just from Trump’s America, which will not end when he leaves, as Obama’s America also did bad things,” Khamenei said. The speech and public appearance dispelled recent rumors that the ayatollah was suffering from severe health conditions.
Rumors began circulating last week after several news outlets reported that the 81-year-old leader transferred duties to his son due to health concerns. The reports were quickly dismissed by Iranian officials close to Khamenei.
With the upcoming anniversary of the US assassination of top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani on January 3rd, Khamenei discussed the killing. He said the millions of people who marched across Iran in the wake of the killing delivered a “harsh slap” to the US.
Khamenei said the “harsher slap” would be “overcoming the empty hegemony of arrogance.” In November, the supreme leader said Iran should overcome US sanctions to make them ineffective, so the health of the country’s economy is not reliant on Washington.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani also discussed President Trump on Wednesday. While he said he is not “excited” to see Joe Biden become President, Rouhani said he is “very happy” to see the departure of Donald Trump.
Rouhani is correct. “New boss, same as old boss.”