“Let us see what the racist, misogynist, anti-black, anti-Muslim Trump will do to advance democracy and improve human rights in Iran.”
The story: Donald Trump’s political comeback has sparked a deluge of mostly negative reactions in Iran. Many in Tehran—including hardliners—have expressed resentment at his return to the White House. However, some view Trump’s victory as an opportunity for Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian to engage with the US.
The coverage: Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani on Nov. 6 insisted that the outcome of the US presidential elections “does not matter” to Tehran
- Trump beat outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris in a landslide victory on Nov. 5.
- Without mentioning Trump, Mohajerani stated there would be “no change in people’s livelihoods” following the US elections.
- Mohajerani said both Tehran and Washington have “fixed policies” and asserted that the Iranian government has made preparations. She did offer some details, but seemingly meant that plans had been drawn in case Trump returns to power.
- Trump’s first 2017-21 term in office saw the unilateral US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, followed by a “maximum pressure” campaign to cripple the Iranian economy. Of note, the Iranian rial hit a historic low of 700,000 against the US dollar after Trump’s victory became apparent, though it later slightly recovered.
While Iranian officials project dismissiveness about the impacts of Trump’s victory, analysts and figures from across the political spectrum responded differently on Nov. 6.
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