FIGHTING WORDS

Iran’s Rouhani Warns Trump of ‘Mother of All Wars’

The Iranian leader cautions against attempts to “incite the Iranian nation against Iran’s security and interests.”

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday offered a stern warning to President Trump, saying U.S. attempts to “incite the Iranian nation against Iran’s security and interests” would only backfire for Washington. “America should know that peace with Iran is the mother of all peace, and war with Iran is the mother of all wars,” Rouhani said in comments reported by state news agency IRNA. “Mr Trump, don’t play with the lion’s tail, this would only lead to regret,” he said, apparently in response to new U.S. efforts to force Tehran into ending its nuclear program. Months after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, the Trump administration has reportedly ratcheted up tensions with a slew of speeches and online communications targeting Iranian leaders.