Iranian lawmakers lit a paper U.S. flag on fire at the Parliament on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump’s nuclear deal pullout, shouting, “Death to America!”
Lawmakers held the impromptu demonstration the day after Mr. Trump’s decision. They also burned a piece of paper representing the nuclear deal.
The chant “Death to America” long has been used in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution. It also has been common to hear it within the Parliament.
U.S. President Donald Trump signs a proclamation declaring his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, U.S. on May 8, 2018.
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal imposed restrictions on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of most U.S. and international sanctions.
Many Iranians are worried about what Mr. Trump’s decision could mean for their country.
The Iranian rial is already trading on the black market at 66,000 to the dollar, despite a government-set rate of 42,000 rials. Many say they have not seen any benefits from the nuclear deal.
Iran’s poor economy and unemployment sparked nationwide protests in December and January that saw at least 25 people killed and, reportedly, nearly 5,000 arrested.
