Iran Press/America: In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett early on Saturday, Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that the US terrorist action was tantamount to opening a war against Iran.
“In fact, it was an act of war on the part of the United States against Iranian people,” he said.
“The US started an economic war against the Iranian people back in May 2018 when President Trump decided to withdraw from the JCOPA, the nuclear deal. And started the maximum-pressure policy against the Iranians, putting lots of economic pressure on Iran. And they have continued until today. Last night, they opened a new chapter –the attack against Iranians by assassinating one of our most beloved generals, who is popular not only in Iran but also in the countries in the region. So, that was, as I said, a new chapter which is tantamount to opening a war against Iran.”
Burnett later asked if Iran intended to retaliate.
“As I said, the U.S. has already started a war against Iran,” he continued. “Not only economic war but something beyond that by assassinating one of our top generals who is being mourned by the people in Iran and in the region. So, we cannot just close our eyes to what happened last night. Definitely, there will be a revenge. There will be a harsh revenge. Iran will — will act based on its own choosing.”
Iran told the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday that it reserves its right to self-defense under international law after the United States killed Soleimani.
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