LONDON (Reuters) - Pressures mounted on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday as lawmakers summoned him to answer questions on weak economic growth and rising prices, but the parliament was not convinced with his answers and referred the case to the judiciary. After the sacking of the two ministers this month, Tasnim news agency reported that 70 lawmakers had signed a motion to impeach a third: the Minister of Industry, Mines and Business. The demonstrations, which began over economic hardship and high prices and included chants slogans against the government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spread to more than 80 cities and towns and resulted in 25 deaths. Although the economic problems were critical, Rouhani said: “More important than that is that many people have lost their faith in the future of the Islamic Republic and are in doubt about its power.”

The nuclear deal had lifted sanctions on Tehran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. “The parliament’s move is politically motivated and indicates that tensions would increase in the Islamic Republic in coming months,” Saeed Laylaz, an Iranian economist, told Reuters by telephone from Tehran. And if we and you are thinking of transitory remedies, people will not have it.”

In another part of his answers, Rouhani referred to America’s mounting pressure on Iran, saying, “We will not let America’s schemes turn out successful… We will not allow a bunch of anti-Iranians who have gathered in the White House today try to conspire against us.”

He added, “The White House should not think it will be happy of the conclusion of today’s session.
The Parliament of Iran questions President Hassan Rouhani on weak economic growth, banking restrictions and rising prices. It is not satisfied by four of his five answers and refers the case to the judiciary. He chiefly blames the United States' sanctions, and vows the "plot" will not succeed.