Brexit “Historical Opportunity” for Iran, Official Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - A senior Iranian official expressed satisfaction with Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, saying while the exit is an omen of demise of the EU, it has opened up a “historical opportunity” for Iran.
In a post on his Twitter account on Friday, Political Deputy of Iran's Presidential Office Hamid Abutalebi said Tehran needs to get the most out of the opportunity brought by Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Describing the referendum results as a massive earthquake in Europe, Abutalebi said Brexit would trigger a domino effect leading to EU’s downfall.
Europeans have lost their trust in the EU since a long time ago, he added, explaining that signs of breakup of the union could have been seen after economic woes in the South European nations, the rise of terrorism and the migration crisis.
The Iranian official noted that new conditions following Brexit will usher in more power, security and welfare for the others.
On Friday morning, Britain voted to leave the European Union, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.
Global financial markets plunged as results from the referendum showed a near 52-48 percent split for leaving.
The pound fell more than 10 percent against the dollar to levels last seen in 1985, its biggest one-day fall in history, and European shares plummeted more than 8 percent, headed for their biggest ever one-day fall.
Cameron, who lost his gamble betting the nation's future on an outcome he predicted would be catastrophic, said he would resign as prime minister by October.
"I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he said in a televised address outside his Downing Street office on Friday morning.
The vote will initiate at least two years of divorce proceedings with the EU, the first exit by any member state. Cameron said it would be up to his successor to formally start the exit process.
