De-escalation ‘only option’ to resolve tensions with US, says Iran

TEHRAN: After ten days of increased tensions with the United States during which both sides fired missiles and Tehran accidentally shot down a passenger aircraft, Iran has indicated it supports a de-escalation.

Surveillance was stepped up in Iran’s capital on Sunday after a vigil the previous night turned into a furious demonstration and the British diplomat was briefly arrested by police for being there with protesters.

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US President Donald Trump had cautioned Iran of hurting the protesters and a repetition of a brutal crackdown on citizens, while in November rallies triggered by an increase in fuel prices.

U.S President Donald Trump on Twitter said, “To the leaders of Iran – DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people.”

To the leaders of Iran – DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020

Tehran said it supported relieving tensions after a popular Iranian commander, Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a drone strike in Baghdad on January 3 by its arch-enemy Washington.

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In a meeting between Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Qatar’s visiting emir, de-escalation agreed on by both sides is the “only option” to the regional dispute, the Qatari ruler stated.