Iranian officials have reportedly conveyed several messages to North Korea, warning Pyongyang to remain “cautious and suspicious” of President Trump. In a statement directed toward North Korea, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that the Islamic Republic has a very negative view of the United States, accusing the Americans of withdrawing from agreements and breaking promises—an allusion to the nuclear agreement that the Obama administration signed on behalf of the United States with Iran, and which was cancelled by Trump’s new administration. The Chief of Iran’s judiciary Ayatollah Ali Larijani also conveyed a warning to the North Koreans, in which he pointed to President Trump’s untrustworthiness, and described him as a “new pharaoh.” Larijani said “Every pharaoh presents himself as if he is capable of achieving everything and by so doing he defies the will of God and will be punished for his pride.” Furthermore, Larijani went on to say that the only way for Iran to cope with the regional challenges it faces is by means of resistance, while claiming that “The Islamic Republic of Iran is at the peak of its ability.”
