Iranian Preisdent Hassan Rouhani said the events that unfolded in Washington, DC, on Wednesday were proof of the weakness of Western democracy and the influence of populism in Western countries.


“What we saw in the US last night and today really showed that first how floppy and weak the Western democracy is, and how weak its foundations are,” the Iranian president said on Thursday.

“We saw how much influence populism has in these countries, despite all the progress in science and industry,” Rouhani added.

“We saw that a populist (Donald Trump) came to office and what damage he caused to his own country. He tainted his country’s reputation and credibility. He disrupted the US relations with the entire world,” Rouhani said.

He pointed to the “huge damages” Trump caused to the West Asia, particularly to Palestine, Syria, and Yemen, and all regions in the world.

“Well we see when a (mentally) unhealthy person comes and takes office, what problems he creates for his own country and the world,” he said, according to the government's official website.

Rouhani expressed hope that the next rulers in the White House would return it to the position of wisdom, rule of law, and commitment that the great nation of America deserves.

Four people died - including one woman who was shot - after supporters of US President Donald Trump breached one of the Capitol Hill, engulfing Washington, DC, in chaos on Wednesday.

The chaos came after Trump urged his supporters to fight against the ceremonial counting of the electoral votes that will confirm President-elect Joe Biden's win.

Hundreds of pro-Trump protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol, where they tussled with officers in full riot gear, some calling the officers "traitors" for doing their jobs. About 90 minutes later, police said demonstrators got into the building and the doors to the House and Senate were being locked. Shortly after, the House floor was evacuated by police. Vice President Mike Pence was also evacuated from the chamber, he was to perform his role in the counting of electoral votes.

An armed standoff took place at the House front door as of 3 p.m. ET, and police officers had their guns drawn at someone who was trying to breach it.