After Tehran attack, Trump suggests Iran brought terrorism upon itself
The attack, in which a gunman and a suicide bomber targeted Iran's parliament and one of its holiest shrines in Tehran, killed twelve people and injured 42 more.
By MICHAEL WILNERUpdated: JUNE 11, 2017 13:22US President Donald Trump pauses as he announces his decision that the United States will withdraw from the landmark Paris Climate Agreement, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, US, June 1, 2017.(photo credit: KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)
WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump offered restrained condemnation of an attack against Iranian civilians claimed by Islamic State on Wednesday, suggesting the government there might be complicit in fostering the very terrorism now targeting its nationals.Attackers raid Iran parliament and mausoleum, up to seven dead (credit: REUTERS)The attack, in which a gunman and a suicide bomber targeted Iran's parliament and one of its holiest shrines in Tehran, killed twelve people and injured 42 more."We grieve and pray for the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks in Iran, and for the Iranian people, who are going through such challenging times," Trump said. "We underscore that states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil they promote."Last month in Riyadh, the president singled out Iran as the single worst state actor in fueling religious extremism."No discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all three— safe harbor, financial backing, and the social standing needed for recruitment. It is a regime that is responsible for so much instability in the region. I am speaking of course of Iran," he said in a speech to leaders from the Arab world."From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms, and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror," he continued. "Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve."The State Department issued a more generic condemnation of the attack."The United States condemns the terrorist attacks in Tehran today," said the department's new spokesman, Heather Nauert. "We express our condolences to the victims and their families, and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Iran.""The depravity of terrorism has no place in a peaceful, civilized world," she added.