Iran condemned the United States on Tuesday for what it called “hypocritical and deceitful” remarks on the anniversary of a young Iranian woman's death in morality police custody in 2022, accusing Washington of decades of crimes and subversion.
“No rational and patriotic Iranian would ever believe the claim of friendship and sympathy by a regime with a long history of meddling in Iran’s affairs and committing crimes against Iranians,” the foreign ministry said in its statement.
It cited grievances ranging from a CIA-orchestrated 1953 coup and US support for Saddam Hussein during the 1980–1988 war to the downing of an Iranian passenger jet in 1988, years of sanctions and joining Israel in attacks on nuclear sites in June.
Tehran also argued that the US, as Israel’s main supporter and a country it described as steeped in racism, has “no credibility to speak on human rights.” It vowed that Iranians “will never forget or forgive” America’s actions.
Mahsa "Jina" Amini, 22, died in morality police custody on September 16 2022, igniting nationwide protests under the slogan “Woman, Life Freedom” that remain a rallying point for calls for systemic change in Iran.
In its message on the eve of the anniversary, the US State Department said it “stands with the people of Iran in their calls for dignity and a better life,” adding, “Mahsa’s name will never be forgotten” and accusing Tehran’s leaders of “crimes against humanity.”
The statement charged that Iran’s rulers had squandered the nation’s wealth on exporting ideology abroad while leaving citizens to endure “shortages of water and electricity, poverty, and crumbling infrastructure.”
In Larijani's meeting with the Crown Prince, discussions focused on strategic regional issues and the situation in Islamic countries, with both sides exchanging views on the future of the region.
The meetings come amid heightened regional tensions following an Israeli airstrike in Doha on September 9 which targeted Hamas leaders. Qatar and other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty.
Larijani and Bin Salman also explored ways to expand economic cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh, including resolving obstacles facing traders and examining opportunities for joint investments, Iranian official media reported.
Larijani later held a meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid Bin Salman, during which both sides discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in the defense field as part of broader efforts to consolidate ties between the two countries, according to IRGC-affiliated Fars News.
Following talks with Larijani, Khalid bin Salman said he had reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments.
“In my meeting, we discussed Saudi-Iranian relations and addressed a number of issues of mutual interest, as well as regional developments and efforts to achieve security and stability,” the Kingdom's defense minister said.
Khalid bin Salman in April paid a rare visit to Tehran, where he met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It was the first time Khamenei had received a Saudi official since 2006.