Donald Trump claims ‘Iran is dead,’ calls Democratic Party ‘America’s worst enemy’

Trump Iran statement: Ex-president declares ‘Iran is dead’ and labels Democrats ‘enemy’

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Donald Trump told supporters in Iowa that “Iran is dead” and called the Democratic Party “America’s worst enemy” during a campaign rally on Saturday.

The former president made the comments while criticizing President Joe Biden’s foreign policy and previewing his 2024 platform in Sioux City.

Trump’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional activities. The comments marked his most direct attack on the Democratic Party as an entity rather than individual politicians.

“Iran is dead,” Trump told the crowd of approximately 2,000 supporters at the Orpheum Theatre. “They have no money. They’re broke.” He claimed credit for Iran’s economic struggles, attributing them to sanctions imposed during his administration from 2017 to 2021.

The former president said Iran’s alleged economic collapse proved his maximum pressure campaign worked. “We would have had a deal with Iran in 2 weeks,” Trump claimed, referencing negotiations that collapsed in 2018 when he withdrew from the nuclear agreement.

Trump accused the Democratic Party of undermining American interests more effectively than foreign adversaries. “The Democrats are America’s worst enemy,” he said. “Worse than China. Worse than Russia. Worse than anybody.”

The Iranian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to Trump’s characterization of their country. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on campaign statements.

Trump singled out specific Democrats for criticism, calling Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer “a Palestinian” and claiming without evidence that Schumer had “become a Palestinian over Israel.” Schumer’s office did not respond to the characterization.

The rally marked Trump’s fourth visit to Iowa this year as he campaigns for the Republican nomination. Polls show him leading the field by double digits ahead of the January 15 caucuses.

Background

Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in May 2018, calling it “the worst deal ever negotiated.” The agreement, signed in 2015 under President Barack Obama, had limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Following withdrawal, Trump imposed severe economic sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, banking sector, and key industries. The Trump administration designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization in April 2019.

Iran responded by gradually exceeding nuclear deal limits on uranium enrichment and stockpiling. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in November that Iran had enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, near weapons-grade levels.

What’s Next

Trump is scheduled to hold rallies in New Hampshire on December 16 and 17, continuing his campaign for the Republican nomination. The Iowa caucuses on January 15 will provide the first electoral test of his 2024 bid.

Iran’s nuclear program remains under IAEA inspection, though Tehran has restricted access to some facilities since 2021. European diplomats continue efforts to revive negotiations, though prospects appear dim.