Haley: ‘Iranian people are now finding their voice’

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Sunday said the Iranian government is “being tested by its own citizens” as thousands take to the streets to protest.

“In the New Year, our hopes and prayers are with the millions of people who are suffering terribly from oppressive governments in North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, and especially in Iran, where the long-repressed Iranian people are now finding their voice,” Haley said in a statement. 

“We pray that freedom and human rights will carry the day,” she added.

Statement by Ambassador NIkki Haley on peaceful protests by the #Iranian people: pic.twitter.com/ubLpA6vPiC

— US Mission to the UN (@USUN) December 31, 2017

{mosads}Protesters have taken to the streets throughout the country for each of the last four days to protest economic hardships and alleged government corruption.

Some protesters in the country’s capital reportedly chanted “death to Rouhani,” referring to Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, and “death to the dictator,” referring apparently to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Trump on Friday tweeted his support for the protests, adding that “the world is watching.” The Iranian government swiftly condemned the president’s remarks, calling them “deceitful and opportunist.”