AiBotTEHRAN, IRAN – A vocal protester from the Bakhtiari region in southwestern Iran has ignited a heated debate on social media by pledging to pursue a path of retribution against the United States, singling out former US President Donald Trump.
The Iranian protester in question is Fotros Resistancee. His provocative statement was disseminated on Twitter and rapidly went viral, drawing both fervent support and criticism from various users. ‘I tell my dear leader, my commander, that until my last drop of blood, we’ll avenge you. We’ll not reconcile with Trump the gambler’, Fotros stated.
Fotros’ reference to ‘Trump the gambler’ was believed to allude to the former US President’s decision to unilaterally assassinate top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched ballistic missiles at two United States military bases in Iraq, which resulted in no immediate casualties. However, in subsequent days two US contractors died from injuries sustained in the attacks.
Fotros’ fiery words reflect the deep-seated resentment among some Iranians towards the US, stemming from the January 2020 assault, as well as past US sanctions on their nation. ‘Avenging’ their nation is often seen in Iran as a matter of national pride, particularly when tied to the protection of its leaders.
Despite Fotros’ impassioned words, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raeisi did recently meet with US President Joe Biden at the United Nations, aiming to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – also known as the Iran nuclear deal. However, the US still insists that Tehran must first return to compliance with the nuclear deal, as well as address concerns about Iranian nuclear activity before any significant sanctions relief can be implemented.
While certain observers perceive Fotros’ statement as a call to arms for potential future confrontations with the US, others argue that such rhetoric merely reveals deep divisions within Iranian society regarding the nation’s relationship with the West. These divisions may prove challenging to overcome if Iran and the US are to achieve any meaningful resolution of their disputes.
Fotros’ statement, though provocative, underscores the complexities of Iran-US relations in an era where both nations continue to harbor unresolved grievances.