Cleric: Economic War on Iran an Opportunity for Growth
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The economic war that the West has launched against the Islamic Republic could turn into an opportunity for Iran’s economic leap forward, a top clergyman said.
Addressing Friday prayer-goers in Tehran, Hojjatoleslam Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi Fard said the full-blown economic war that the West has waged against Iran will turn into an opportunity for the Islamic Republic’s economic growth and rise if the teachings of Ashura are taken into account.
He also noted that Ashura and the uprising of Imam Hussein (PBUH) against tyranny has inspired the Islamic Revolution, has helped Iran go through the Iraqi imposed war in the 1980s successfully, and has even inspired popular resistance in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain and Yemen.
“Without the element of resistance and loyalty to Imam (Hussein), the front of Islamic Resistance would have not been shaped,” he added.
The remarks come against the backdrop of increased tensions between Iran and the US with Washington mounting the pressure of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
The US has ratcheted up pressure on Iran since last year after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In comments in April, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said the US’ attempts to block the export of Iranian oil will get nowhere as Tehran will be exporting any amount of crude it needs and wants.
Describing a cut in Iran’s reliance on the export of oil as an opportunity, the Leader said such an opportunity will be used for further reliance on internal capabilities.
