Tehran, Iran – A prominent Iranian imam warned on Friday that the Islamic Republic could target US-linked investments in the Middle East if it is attacked by the United States,
in a new escalation of rhetoric between Tehran and Washington amid rising tensions.
Iranian news agencies quoted Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari, the Friday prayer leader in Tehran,
as telling worshippers, “The enemy must realize that if it makes any mistake,
all its interests and bases in the region will become legitimate targets for the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Trump warned Iran
He added, “The trillions of dollars you have invested in the region are within range of our missiles,”
without specifying the nature or location of those investments.
These remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump warned Iran that a US naval fleet was moving toward the region,
while expressing hope that it would not have to be used.
Trump reiterated his warnings to Tehran regarding its handling of internal protests, in addition to its nuclear program.
In a related development, Iranian Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi denied the veracity of statements attributed
to Trump regarding Tehran’s cancellation of approximately 800 executions of individuals arrested
during the recent protests. The judiciary’s Mizan news agency quoted Movahedi as saying, “This claim is completely false.
alarming violence
No such number exists, and no judicial decision has been issued in this regard.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had previously affirmed that there were no plans
to carry out executions in connection with the anti-government protests.
The UN Human Rights Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session today to discuss
what it described as the “alarming violence” used against protesters in Iran.
Several countries have called for UN investigators to document the alleged violations
in order to hold those responsible accountable in the future.
Human rights organizations say the recent unrest represents the biggest challenge
the Iranian government has faced in years and has resulted in thousands of deaths, including civilians.
