Iran’s VP Zarif slams US complicity in Israel’s actions, hopes for peace under Trump

Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Javad Zarif, reacted to Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election with a bold statement criticizing U.S. complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

On social media, Zarif remarked, “The American people, including most Muslims, have spoken loud and clear in rejecting a shameful year of U.S. complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and carnage in Lebanon.”

These comments followed Trump’s decisive win over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed for the presidency.

The American people, including most Muslims, have spoken loud and clear in rejecting a shameful year of US complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza and carnage in Lebanon.

Let us hope that the incoming administration of @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance will stand against war as…

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 7, 2024

Meanwhile, Zarif’s statement is being seen as a signal for possible normalization of relations with the U.S. under the incoming Trump administration.

He expressed hope that Trump, along with Vice President-elect Vance, would prioritize peace and work to end conflicts. “Let us hope that the incoming administration will stand against war, as pledged, and heed the clear lesson given by the American electorate to end wars and prevent new ones,” Zarif said.

However, his remarks are expected to be unpopular among hardline supporters of Iran, many of whom view Trump as “Soleimani’s killer” and call for justice for his death.

Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, “It makes no difference to us who won the US election,” signaling that Iran’s stance remains unchanged regardless of the U.S. outcome.

Zarif also emphasized Iran’s resilience in the face of aggression, asserting that the country would not be swayed by threats but remained open to diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect.

Trump’s victory marks an unexpected comeback after his 2020 defeat. He is set to be inaugurated for a second term on January 20, 2025.