Iranian President says Trump’s Saudi visit was ‘meaningless’

TEHRAN, Iran (Kurdistan24) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia was “meaningless theatrics.”

The re-elected Iranian leader made the remarks at a news conference where he added Iran would remain open to dialogue with the US.

Rouhani labeled Trump’s meeting with Saudi leaders “just a show” and said it would not “have any political and practical value.”

The Iranian President alluded to the Sep. 11 attacks while criticizing the $110 billion arms deal the US and Riyadh had announced over the weekend.

“I do not think the American people are ready to trade the lives they lost in Sep. 11 with billions of dollars gained through weapons sales,” he stated.

Rouhani also informed Tehran would continue its test-firing of “defensive” missiles despite warnings from Washington.

“Iran and America have gone through lots of ups and downs in the past 39 or 40 years,” he said.

Trump met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Monday where he reiterated Iran would “never, ever” be allowed to own atomic bombs.

“[America has] used numerous measures against Iran, all leading to failure,” Rouhani added.

“Americans were only successful in their engagement with the Iranian nation during the nuclear talks,” he affirmed.

Regarding Trump’s foreign policies, Rouhani said Iran is “waiting for the government to be well established” before they “pass judgement.”

After Saudi Arabia, Trump traveled to Israel on Monday and is expected to visit the Vatican, Brussels, and Sicily during his first overseas trip as US President.

Editing by Ava Homa