Rouhani backs revolutionary guards as protectors of Islamic republic

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani defended the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as protectors of the Islamic republic a day after the United States labelled the group as a foreign terrorist organisation.

"The Guards have sacrificed their lives to protect our people, our (1979 Islamic) revolution ... today America that holds a grudge against the Guards blacklists the Guards," Rouhani said in a live speech broadcast live on state TV. U.S. President Donald Trump designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organisation on Monday -- an unprecedented step that will raise tensions in the Middle East.