Rouhani Defends the IRGC as Protectors of the Islamic Republic, Slams US as Sponsor of World Terrorism

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani defended the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as protectors of the Islamic republic a day after the United States labeled the group as a foreign terrorist organization.

Rouhani condemned US move to blacklist the IRGC, slamming the United States as the real "leader of world terrorism".

"Who are you to label revolutionary institutions as terrorists?" Rouhani asked in a televised speech on Tuesday. He added: "You want to use terrorist groups as tools against the nations of the region… you are the leader of world terrorism."   

“The Guards have sacrificed their lives to protect our people, our [1979 Islamic] revolution ... today America that holds a grudge against the Guards, blacklists the Guards,” Rouhani said in a live speech broadcast live on state TV.

Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump designated Iran’s Guards a foreign terrorist organization— an unprecedented step that will raise tensions in the Middle East and will be faced by firm Iranian response.