Trump’s Al-Quds Decision Adds Fuel to Mideast Tensions: Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has lashed out at his American counterpart for making an “incorrect” decision to recognize al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel, warning that the move adds fuel to tensions in the Middle East.

“The regional situation is such that one should not fan the flames and the US president’s recent decision to move the country’s embassy to al-Quds was an incorrect decision and was [like] pouring gasoline on the flames in the region,” Rouhani said in a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in Tehran on Sunday, according to Press TV.

 US President Donald Trump sparked international outrage on Wednesday when he declared that the US was recognizing al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel and that he had instructed his administration to begin the process of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the ancient city.

The dramatic shift in Washington’s al-Quds policy triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco and other Muslim countries.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani said Iran sought to establish sustainable peace and stability, help end war and bloodshed, and uproot terrorism in the region, adding that Tehran-London talks could lead to the development of regional stability.

 It is clear that Iran’s constructive role saved two regional countries from the threat of terrorism, he said, adding, “No one can doubt Iran’s positive measures in the region.”

The Iranian president also stressed the importance of boosting cordial relations between Tehran and London after the implementation of the landmark nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015.

Iran plays positive role in terror fight: Johnson

The British foreign secretary, for his part, said Iran had taken positive measures in the fight against terrorism and promoted regional peace and stability.

Johnson added that London did not regard Trump’s recognition of al-Quds as an appropriate move.

He said the JCPOA was a positive accord, which should be upheld in a way that the Iranian nation could take advantage of its economic benefits.

Johnson also expressed Britain’s willingness to participate in Iran’s investment projects.

H.M