Article

Muslim World Reacts to Trump's Announcement

December 8, 2017

U.S. President Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and committed to moving the U.S. Embassy to the holy city from Tel Aviv. The move sparked outrage and protests in Iran and across the Muslim world.

Muslim World Reacts to Trump's Announcement

Updated Dec. 15, 2017

On December 6, U.S. President Donald Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and committed to moving the U.S. Embassy to the holy city from Tel Aviv. "My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians," President Trump said. The final status of Jerusalem has been a sensitive issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel gained control of East Jerusalem in 1967, but Palestinians hope it will be the capital of a future Palestinian state. Trump stipulated that his decision was not intended to influence the final borders of either state, but the move sparked outrage and protests across the Muslim world. The following are excerpted reactions to President Trump's statement (below).

The Palestinian Territories

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

"These condemned and unacceptable measures are a deliberate undermining of all efforts exerted to achieve peace and represent a declaration of the United States' withdrawal from undertaking the role it has played over the past decades in sponsoring the peace process."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a televised speech, according to The Jerusalem Post

"These procedures do also help in the extremist organizations to wage a religious war that would harm the entire region, which is going through critical moments and would lead us into wars that will never end, which we have warned about and always urged to fight against."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a televised speech, according to CNN

"This is a reward to Israel."

"The decision by President Trump will not change the reality of the city of Jerusalem and will not give any legitimacy to the Israelis on this issue."

"We will achieve national independence."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a televised speech, according to Al Jazeera

"We are here today, and behind us all our nation and peoples, all Muslims and Christians in our region and the world, in order to save and protect Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) and to confront all plots against it to falsify its identity and change its character, especially after those recent US decisions that challenge the feelings of Muslims and Christians everywhere.

We are here today, for all of us to speak in a clear language: Jerusalem has been, and will remain forever, the capital of the State of Palestine and its crown without which there will be no peace, nor stability."

"President Trump's declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and his instructions to move the US embassy to it is a flagrant violation of international law and signed agreements, especially Security Council resolutions, and a provocation to the international community, whose various countries and peoples and political and spiritual leaderships and regional and international organizations have expressed their rejection of this declaration and who expressed support for the Palestinian people and their aspirations for freedom and independence.

I would like to assure you that we have rejected these unilateral, illegitimate and unjust US decisions, which the American administration shocked us at the time we were involved in the political process in order to reach a just and comprehensive peace in the region. This has raised our astonishment and deep disapproval of the disregard of the peoples' feelings in our region and the world, the Security Council and international law. Thus the United States has chosen to lose its eligibility as an intermediary and to have no role in the political process.

These unilateral steps by President Trump will not give any legitimacy to Israel in Jerusalem. It is a Palestinian Arab Muslim Christian city, the eternal capital of the state of Palestine. There can be no Palestinian state without the city of Jerusalem as its capital and there will be no peace in the region and in the world without it.

There is no doubt that these unilateral steps will encourage extremist groups to transform the conflict from political conflict to religious conflict, and this is what we have always warned against."

"Our role in the fight against terrorism in our region and the world is known to all. We have forged partnerships and agreements with many countries, including the United States. So we reject the decisions of the US Congress, which considers the PLO a terrorist organization and demand its cancellation.

We have complied with all understandings between us and successive US administrations, including this administration, but these illegal resolutions on Jerusalem have crossed all red lines, which will not make it possible to keep our commitments unilaterally. We have agreed with them that we do not join international organizations on condition the US does not recognize Jerusalem nor move its embassy and demands that Israel stop settlements."
— Dec. 13, 2017, speaking at a summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, according to and translated by Wafa

"Instead we got the slap of our times. The United States has chosen to lose its qualification as a mediator ... We will no longer accept that it has a role in the political process from now."

"We call that the (peace) process in its entirety be transferred to the United Nations."
— Dec. 13, 2017, speaking at a summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, according to the Associated Press

"We will tell the Israelis that we are no longer committed to any agreement from Oslo until today."

"We agreed with America we would not join international institutions on the condition that America does not transfer its embassy, does not initiate any action against our office in Washington, and orders Israel to freeze settlement building."

"If there is no Palestinian state along the June 1967 borders with jerusalem as its capital, there will not be peace in the region, in the territories or in the world. They must choose."
— Dec. 13, 2017, speaking at a summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, according to The Times of Israel

Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary-General and Palestinian Chief Negotiator

"President Trump just destroyed any possibility of a two-state (solution)."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a statement, according to CNN

"President Trump tonight made the biggest mistake of his life. Instead of encouraging the parties to sit together, the parties to put all core issues including Jerusalem on the table and negotiate in good faith, he dictates."
— Dec. 6, 2017, speaking to CNN

"He's pushing this region towards chaos and violence."

"This is the most dangerous decision that any U.S. president has ever taken."
— Dec. 6, 2017, speaking to Al Jazeera

Jamal Zahalka, a Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament

"Those who celebrate Trump's declaration here in Israel, are the ones who will do everything to prevent order and peace, and to advance the settlements as well as supporting the occupation, while trying to strangle the just national aspirations of the Palestinian people."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a statement, according to Al Jazeera

Poll results from the West Bank and Gaza Strip

On December 12, 2017, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research released results from a public opinion poll conducted in the West Bank and Gaza Strip from Dec. 7-10. The poll began just one day after U.S. President Trump's announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. A total of 1270 adults were interviewed face to face in 127 randomly selected locations for the survey, which has a margin of error of three percent. The results showed that "more than 90 percent view the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel as a threat to Palestinian interests." The largest percentage of respondents called for a strong response that includes an armed intifada. Furthermore, the poll showed that most Palestinians do not trust Trump's peace intentions or U.S. allies in the region, like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The following are excerpted results from the poll.

"91 percent characterize Trump's declaration recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel as a threat to Palestinian interests (79 percent as a great threat and 12 percent as a limited threat)."
7 percent saw no threat in the Trump's declaration.
45 percent think that the most appropriate Palestinian measure against the U.S. Jerusalem decision is to stop all contacts with the Trump administration, submit a formal complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and resort to an armed intifada.
27 percent think the Palestinan Authority (PA) should stop all contacts with the Trump administration, submit a complaint to the ICC, but should resort to non-violent resistance.
12 percent want the PA to only denounce the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem at the capital of Israel and stop all contacts with the Trump administration.
12 percent want the PA to denounce the U.S. decision while maintaining contacts with the United States toward reaching a permanent peace.
27 percent think that Palestinian leadership will actually stop contacts with the U.S., submit an ICC complaint, and resort to an armed intifada.
24 percent think the PA will denounce the U.S. decision, but will maintain contacts with the Trump Administration.
44 percent (the largest pecentage) think that armed resistance is the most effective means of establishing a Palestinian state next to the state of Israel.
27 percent think negotiation is the most effective means of establish a Palestinian state next to the state of Israel.
23 percent think non-violent resistance is the most effective way to establish a Palestinian state next to the state of Israel.
"Three months ago, only 35 percent indicated that armed resistance is the answer and 33 percent sided with negotiation."
"An overwhelming majority of 72 percent believes that the Trump Administration will not submit any ideas or plans for Palestinian-Israeli peace."
24 percent think that the Trump administration will submit ideas or plans for Palestinian-Israeli peace.
If Trump does submit a peace proposal, 86 percent believe that such a proposal will not meet Palestinian needs to end occupation and build a state.
11 percent think a peace proposal will meet Palestinian needs.

Hamas

Ismail Haniya, Hamas Leader

"This decision has killed the peace process, has killed the Oslo [accord], has killed the settlement process."

"The US decision is an aggression, a declaration of war on us, on the best Muslim and Christian shrines in the heart of Palestine, Jerusalem."

"We should work on launching an intifada in the face of the Zionist enemy."

"Jerusalem, all of Jerusalem, is ours."

"We are here today at a critical point in the history of the Palestinian issue and the core of the issue is Jerusalem, a critical point in the history of the Arab and Muslim nations following the provocative decision, the unfair decision adopted by the US administration."

"We urge, we ask and we stress the necessity of rearranging the Palestinian situation to confront this dangerous plot and to put our priorities clearly to face that provocative decision, that unfair decision."
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a speech in Gaza City

Maher Salah, Leader of the Hamas Movement Abroad

The American president's announcement of his decision to recognize Jerusalem as "Israel's" capital will have very severe repercussions in Palestine, the Arab world and the Islamic arena.

This is an illegitimate and ill-advised decision, which contradicts international laws and resolutions, and violates the sanctity of the holy city of Jerusalem.

It is refused and will be resisted by all the Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and free peoples of the world.

Jerusalem (Bait Al-Maqdes) is a sacred city for both Muslims, Christians and legitimate Jews. It is the united capital of Palestine. It will always be a Palestinian city.

We, in Hamas, call upon the Arab and Muslim Ummah and the free peoples of the world to stand firm and united against this dangerous decision, and support the Palestinians in their continuous struggle to liberate their homeland and establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

This American move serves as a blatant reminder and a loud wake-up call to all Arab and Muslim countries and leaders that their true and only enemy is the illegitimate Zionist Occupation. All their efforts and means should be directed towards uprooting this occupation, freeing Palestine and returning the Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a press release published on Hamas’ official website

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

“Taking such a step is tantamount to throwing the region into a ring of fire. Hey Trump, what are you trying to do? What kind of an approach is that? Political leaders are supposed to work to bring peace, not stir things up. Now, Mr. Trump’s remarks are aimed at stirring things up, not bringing peace.”

"I even requested to talk to the Pope. I will speak with him tonight or tomorrow morning, because Al-Quds is also a sanctuary of Christians and I need to talk to him about this matter.”

"Regarding the US President Trump’s decision, I will speak with President Putin of the Russian Federation, as well as leaders of Germany, the UK, France, Spain.”

“It is no longer the duty of Muslims but all of mankind. If Mr. Trump says ‘Might makes right’, he is wrong. Being mighty does not mean being right. Right makes might. We are right here.”
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a speech to workers at Ankara Esenboga

"I am inviting countries who value international law and fairness to recognize occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine."

"The process to include Palestine in international agreements and institutions should be sped up."
— Dec. 13, 2017, speaking at a summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, according to The Times of Israel

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim

“The United States has pulled the pin on a bomb ready to blow in the region.”

“Today, more than 80 percent of our citizens are cold towards the United States and they are right to be so."
— Dec. 7, 2017, according to Reuters

Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Bekir Bozdag

“Declaring Jerusalem a capital is disregarding history and the truths in the region, it is a big injustice/cruelty, shortsightedness, foolishness/madness, it is plunging the region and the world into a fire with no end in sight.”

“I call on everyone to act logically, respect the agreements they signed and behave reasonably, avoid risking world peace for domestic politics or other reasons."
— Dec. 7, 2017, in tweets, according to Reuters

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu

"Firstly the Palestinian state must be recognized by all other countries. We must all strive together for this."

"We must encourage other countries to recognize the Palestinian state on the basis of its 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital."
— Dec. 13, 2017, speaking at a summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, according to The Jerusalem Post

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Royal Court

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia followed, with great disappointment, the announcement made by the President of the United States Donald Trump, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocating the United States’ embassy to Jerusalem.

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had previously warned of the serious consequences of such an irresponsible and unwarranted step. The Kingdom expresses its denunciation and deep regret that the administration has taken this step, as it represents a great bias against the historic and permanent rights of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, which have been affirmed by the relevant international resolutions and have been recognized and supported by the international community.

Although this step does not change or infringe upon the inalienable and preserved rights of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, and other occupied territories, and even though it cannot impose a new reality upon those rights, it does however exemplify a drastic regression in the efforts to move the peace process forward, and is a shift away from the United States' historically impartial position with regard to the issue of Jerusalem, which will further complicate the Palestinian -Israeli conflict.

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hopes that the U.S administration will reverse this action, and support the international will to enable the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights. Furthermore, the Kingdom reaffirms the importance of finding a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause in accordance with the relevant international resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, so that the Palestinian people can regain their legitimate rights, which will strengthen security and stability in the region.
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a statement released by the Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC

Iraq

The Government of Iraq

“We caution against the dangerous repercussions of this decision on the stability of the region and the world.”

“The U.S. administration has to backtrack on this decision to stop any dangerous escalation that would fuel extremism and create conditions favorable to terrorism.”
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement

Grand Ayatollah Al Sistani

In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the Ever-Merciful
Commenting on the decision of the United States to recognize the city of Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli entity, an official source from the office of Sayyid Sistani in the holy city of Najaf said:
This decision is denounced and condemned. It has hurt the sentiments of hundreds of millions of Arabs and Muslims, but it will not change the fact that Jerusalem is an occupied land that should return to the sovereignty of its Palestinian owners no matter how long it takes. The efforts of the ummah ought to be combined and their voices should be united in this struggle. Allah swt is the guardian of the victory.
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement published on his official website

Jordan

The Jordanian Government

"This recognition is legally invalid as it enshrines the Israeli occupation of the eastern part of the city, which was occupied by Israel in June 1967."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a statement

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

“It is also a clear challenge to the Muslim world that sees the centrality of the Palestinian cause."

"In the face of this serious events, we stand by our people in Palestine and support them with all we possess.”

“If you do not move, God forbid, then tomorrow the holiest of places and the Muslims’ Qiblah, Mecca, will be sold and you will find then no one to defend it."
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement, according to SITE monitoring group

The Arab League

"The decision has no legal effect ... it deepens tensions, ignites anger and threatens to plunge the region into more violence and chaos."
— Dec. 10, 2017, after an emergency meeting in Cairo, according to Reuters

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation

"[We] consider that this dangerous declaration, which aims to change the legal status of the [city], is null and void and lacks any legitimacy."
— Dec. 13, 2017, in a statement, according to Al Jazeera

Secretary General Yousef al Othaimeen

"The OIC rejects and condemns the American decision. This is a violation of international law ... and this is a provocation of the feelings of Muslims within the world."

"It will create a situation of instability in the region and in the world."
— Dec. 13, 2017, speaking at a summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, according to Al Jazeera

The Muslim Brotherhood

In light of the sharp political twists by the new US administration, the US President announced today [Wednesday] his country's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the Zionist entity, in spite of all international resolutions and objections across the world against such reckless step.

This gamble will not change the facts of history and geography, which confirm that Jerusalem is an occupied land. The United Nations resolutions do not allow the occupier to change its character, as well as being the capital of a single Palestinian state on the whole land of Palestine. Thus, the US president instigates wars, conflicts, and hostilities that humanity does not need.

Therefore, the Muslim Brotherhood declares its total rejection and condemnation of this decision, which it is deemed null and void.

Muslim Brotherhood reaffirms its firm position on the Palestinian issue, which is a central cause for the Arabs and Muslims. Palestine is the land that God had blessed and honored by the Night Journey of His Messenger, Peace Be Upon Him, and eternalized its mention in the Quran. Palestine includes the holiest shrines of Islam after the two Holy Mosques, as well as several Christian holy sites.

The right of the Arab and Islamic nation in Al Quds Al Shareef, Jerusalem, is a perpetual right in history and present, and will never be changed by such unjust decisions, regardless of their source.

Our message to the Kings, Presidents and Emirs of the Arab and Muslim countries:

During these difficult times for the Muslim Ummah, where dangers and threats loom at its doors,and the enemies lurks and ambush; convening an immediate emergency summit is more than inevitable and necessary. We need a summit with complete will and effective decision; a summit that unifies all efforts, wills, and decisions to support the Palestinian cause, and through which necessary decisions are taken to support the steadfastness and struggle of the Palestinian people so as to recover all legitimate rights.

Muslim Brotherhood also calls on the Palestinian Authority to sever all forms of communication and security coordination with the Israeli occupation authorities, file a complaint with the Security Council against the United States for violating international law and Council resolutions regarding Jerusalem, and activate war crime complaints against the occupation before the International Criminal Court.

Muslim Brotherhood also appeals to all Muslim and Christian religious bodies, political parties, and free movements worldwide to declare their rejection of this resolution and to protest by all available means to put pressure on the US administration, so as to revoke this unjust political crime.

The group urges Muslims in various parts of the World to rise up in peaceful popular protests to express their support of the freedom fighters in Palestine in their rejection of this move and to make Friday and the following days for activities and advocacies in support of the Palestinian cause, and to express firmly the rejection of all evils commited against Palestine, and the determination to fully restore Palestinian people rights.
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a statement published on their official website

Ennahda

Leader of the Tunisian Ennahdha Party Sheikh Rached Gannouchi

“US President Donald Trump’s decision to move his country’s embassy to Jerusalem would cause more instability in the region. This is a provocative decision that could lead to further deterioration.”

"The US decision to move the Embassy of Washington to Jerusalem is a gift terrorism and is a step that encourages the occupation to be more radical.”
— Dec. 7, 2017, in an interview with Quds Press

"This decision, which the U.S., in itself, couldn't come to a mutual agreement on, is a kind of political brigandage."
— Dec. 9, 2017, speaking to Anadolu Agency

Hezbollah al-Nujaba

Akram al Kaabi, Leader of the Pro-Iranian Iraqi Militia Group, Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba

“Trump’s stupid decision ... will be the big spark for removing this entity (Israel) from the body of the Islamic nation, and a legitimate reason to target American forces.”
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement

Hezbollah

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Leader

"Today, the axis of resistance, including Hezbollah, will return as its most important priority ... Jerusalem and Palestine and the Palestinian people and the Palestinian resistance in all its factions."
— Dec. 11, 2017, in a video message, according to Reuters

"Today we are witnessing a true intifada. Muslims and Christians are all united to defend their holy sites in Jerusalem."
— Dec. 11, 2017, in a video message, according to The New York Times

Hassan Fadlallah, Spokesman for Hezbollah's Parliamentary Bloc

"The only way to recover rights is the way of resistance."
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a televised statement

Iran

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

“Their announcement of Quds [Jerusalem] as the capital of Occupied Palestine [Israel] proves their incompetence and failure. In regards to Palestine, they are helpless and unable to achieve their goals. Victory is for the Islamic nation. Palestine will be free, and the Palestinian people will be victorious.”

“The modern-day pharaoh is represented by the US, the Zionist regime and their accomplices in the region, who seek to create wars in our region, and this is plotted by the US.”

“Today, some enemies and individuals line up against the Islamic nation and the path of the Prophet [Muhammad].”

“We have no conflict with Islamic nations. We seek unity. But in response to this willingness to forge unity, there are some who seek a war and their policies are based on war. In response, we admonish [them]; we use a language of advice; we rely on admonition. The destiny of the approach that some governments in the region take, as noted in the Quran, will be self-destructive.”
— Dec. 6, 2017, speaking at the 31st International Conference on Islamic Unity in Tehran

“The issue of Palestine today is at the top of the political issues for Muslims and everyone is obligated to work and struggle for the freedom and salvation of the people of Palestine.”

“On the issue of Palestine, (U.S.) hands are tied and they cannot advance their goals.”

“American government officials have said themselves that we have to start a war in the region to protect the security of the Zionist regime (Israel).”

“Whatever America wants, they’ll [Saudi Arabia] work against Islam to accomplish it.”
— Dec. 6, 2017, speaking at the 31st International Conference on Islamic Unity in Tehran

“The language we use with the followers of America in the region, is the language of advice…we advise them that serving the wrongdoers of the world is to their disadvantage and as the Koran has commanded, partnering with wrongdoers has no future other than annihilation.”
— Dec. 6, 2017, speaking to Iranian and foreign representatives at the 31st International Conference on Islamic Unity in Tehran

“The Muslim world would undoubtedly stand against this conspiracy and the Zionists will be dealt a heavy blow with this move and dear Palestine will at last be liberated without doubt.”
— Dec. 6, 2017, speaking to Iranian and foreign representatives at the 31st International Conference on Islamic Unity in Tehran

Today the "Pharaoh" is a combination of the U.S., the Zionist regime, and their followers who want to stage wars in the region: this is a U.S. plot. U.S. officials have said: "we should stage wars, in this region, to protect the Zionist regime's security."
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) December 6, 2017

It is out of despair & debility that they want to declare #AlQuds as capital of the Zionist regime. On issue of #Palestine their hands are tied & they can't achieve their goals. Victory belongs to Islamic Ummah. Palestine will be free, Palestinian nation will achieve victory.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) December 6, 2017

Today, the enemies and others have lined up against the Islamic Ummah and the Prophet of Islam's path: US, global arrogance, Zionist regime, as well as reactionaries and hedonistic figures among the Islamic Ummah.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) December 6, 2017

President Hassan Rouhani

“Today, the enemies have launched a new conspiracy against the Muslims and have targeted the great goal of the liberation of the Holy Quds.”

“The Holy Quds belongs to Muslims and Palestinians, and it is not a place in which anyone can stand against the thoughts and feelings of the people. This is a new adventure of the 'global arrogance' in the region.”

“Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has responded to the call by the nations [seeking its aid] by supporting them, and wants to resolve problems through negotiation and has never agreed to changes in the borders in the region, it will not tolerate aggression against Islamic sanctities.”
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a meeting at the 31st International Conference on Islamic Unity

“Islamic countries and all the free countries of the world must act quickly against Washington's move … to stop them.”

“We believe that in the current situation, all Islamic countries must be united and unanimous against his incorrect, illegal, provocative and very dangerous decision by the United States and take a serious action”.

"Today, one of the priorities of the World of Islam is the Palestinian issue, the Quds and confronting incorrect actions of the Zionist regime. We invite all Islamic and peace-seeking nations of the world to stand up against these illegal acts."

“Of course, the Zionist Regime is directly responsible for all instability and insecurity."
— Dec. 6, 2017, in a phone call with Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan

"In this situation and as the first step, all Palestinian movements must preserve unity to stand up firmly against the Zionist regime and the U.S., and as the next step, the Muslim world must stand up against this conspiracy unanimously."

"We are proud of the great Palestinian nation for their resistance and sacrifice against the Zionist enemy, and we are sure the new intifada will continue to tread the right path to safeguard the Palestinian people's rights."
— Dec. 11, 2017, in a phone call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, according to Iran Front Page News

"The situation we are experiencing today is very important, because Jerusalem al Quds is a holy city for Muslims as well as Christians and Jews."

"The wrong decision of the U.S. president to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem al Quds was a rude decision as Quds does not only belong to a nation or a geographic region. It is respected by all Muslims in the world and the al Aqsa mosque is the first kiblah of Muslims."

"The global arrogance and the Zionists want to test how the Muslim world reacts. As you see, from the very moment that this wrong and illegal decision was announced, people in the Muslim world rose to show their anger. From the easternmost parts of Indonesia, to the westernmost regions of Morocco, all Muslims stood up against the move and condemned the act."

"Our message is the the Palestinian cause is the most important issue for the Muslim world. They must condemn this move in all international bodies, particularly the United Nations."

"Over the years, the United States has turned Palestine into the second issue of the region because of the terrorism that it has expanded in the region. Washington was assuming the issue of Palestine is forgotten; therefore they occupied the land of Palestine for seventy years."
— Dec. 12, 2017, in remarks before departing for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's summit in Istanbul, Turkey, according to Iran Front Page News

The recent decision by the US admin made it clear that the US is only seeking to secure the maximum interests of the Zionists and has no respect for the legitimate rights of Palestinians. The US has never been an honest mediator and will never be. #FreePalestine #OIC
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) December 13, 2017

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

لو أن نصف الأموال التي أنفقتها بعض الحکام في المنطقة لتشجيع الإرهاب والتطرف والطائفية والتحريض ضد الجيران كان ینفق لتحریر فلسطین، لما كنا اليوم نواجه هذا الصلف الأميركي الذي یحاول ان يكرس "وعد من لا يملك لمن لا يستحق" ورغم ذلک، القدس تبقی عربیة اسلامیة، شاء من شاء وابی من ابی.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 6, 2017

Translation: If half of the money that was spent by some governments in the region to encourage terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and incitement against neighbors had been spent on liberating Palestine, then today, we would not be facing this American arrogance, which is trying to devote "the promise of he who doesn't own to those who don't deserve." Nevertheless, Quds remains Arab Islamic, whoever will accept it will accept it and whoever will reject it, will reject it.

Inspired by very high level participation at extraordinary OIC summit, despite handful of telling exceptions. The entire Muslim world stands in solidarity with Palestinians and rejects Trump's gifting of what he does not own to those who have no right to it.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 13, 2017

Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces

"Now with the U.S. move on Jerusalem al Quds, a new and big uprising is imminent."
― Dec.11, 2017, in an address, according to ISNA via Iran Front Page News

Foreign Ministry Statement on Condemning U.S. Decision on Quds

Jerusalem al-Quds which hosts the first Qibla of Muslims is aninseparable part of Palestine. As one of the three most sacred sites in Islam, it enjoys a highly significant status among the Muslims. It is no secret any more that the Zionist regime has put on its agenda a number of measures to impose its hegemony over Jerusalem al-Quds including forcing the main inhabitants of the city to leave the city, occupying their houses and lands, replacing Muslim population with Jewish people with the aim of changing the demography of the city, destroying sacred Islamic sites and symbols, desecrating Al-Aqsa Mosque by paving the way for extremist settlers to enter the Islamic place, imposing restrictions on Muslims for visiting the mosque and saying their Friday prayer, and violating the citizenship rights of the Palestinians living in the city.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized that the main causes behind destabilization and insecurity in the Middle East are continued occupation of the Palestinian lands by theIsraeli regime, the US’ full and all-out support for the Zionist regime, and depriving the oppressed nation of Palestine of their basic rights to establish an independent state for their own with al-Quds as its capital. With the US and its allies’ desperate efforts to impose a compromised solution, the Palestinians have failed to even fulfill their preliminary wishes stipulated in the resolutions by the United Nations Security Council as well as the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, the continued expansionof settlements, occupation of more Palestinian lands and desecration of religious sites by Israeli regime which are carried out with the direct support of the US amid the indifference of international organization, all in all have hampered thePalestinians’ drive to achieve their rightful and legal demands.

The imprudent and provocative decision of the US to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of the Zionist regime not only does not at all contribute to peace and stability in the region but also reveals the nasty intentions of the US administration and further discredits the US before those who still have confidence in the neutrality of Washington in the mirage-like trend of peace talks. Meanwhile, the decision will also create outrage among Muslims and fan the flames of a new Intifada, extremist moves,violence and brutality. It goes without saying that the US and the Zionist regime are responsible for the upcoming results.

Given the fact that Jerusalem al-Quds is recognized as an occupied land by the UN resolutions, the US move is in stark violation of the international resolutions. So, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the US decision and calls on the international community and leading states particularly the Islamic countries to step into the fray and stop the implementation of the US decision because it only serves the Zionist regime’s interests.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its full sympathy with the Palestinian people and once again underlinesthe main responsibility of the international community,particularly the UN, to put an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territories and the holy Quds and contribute to the Palestinians’ efforts to achieve their basic rights.
― Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement

Statement by Iran's Parliament

“Being deeply worried about his political future, Donald Trump has sold out the oppressed Palestinians to Zionists in order to secure his term in office."
“By this sinister and unwarranted move, the US government has quashed the last remaining hope of some Arab leaders about the prospect of negotiations and the two-state solution.”
“The occupying regime of Israel knows that such foolish acts by the US government will not make any change in the situation of al-Quds.”
“The Palestinian people and advocates of liberty and freedom across the world will now become more resolute and united than ever for the liberation of Jerusalem and the land of Palestine.”
“The Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on all pro-Palestinian and pro-liberty nations, all Arab and Islamic countries, to condemn the US measure, defend the legitimate right of the Palestinian people, and declare one day of public mourning and fly their flags at half-staff in all Islamic countries.”
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The cheap and foolish move of the US president to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of the fake and child-killing regime of Zionists amounts to a great sedition designed against the Islamic Ummah with the aim of violating the rights of Palestinians. Now the Islamic world and other freedom and truth-seeking societies are duty-bound to thwart the nasty and satanic plots of the enemies through adopting decisive and prudent stances.

It goes without saying that the filthy attempt by the US president will not only fail to translate into reality the dreams of the White House officials and the International Zionism, it will also make the anti-Zionist resistance front further determined to achieve the cause of liberating the holy Quds and set in fire the occupiers of Palestine by its burning revenge.

The IRGC invites Iranians from all walks of life to participate in large numbers in the nation-wide rallies against the US and the Zionism on Friday following noon prayers.

The Palestinian Intifada will continue in the new phase with a higher speed with the all-out support of the Islamic Ummah and the world’s anti-arrogance and freedom-seekers individuals. The intifada will unveil the scandalous face of the Great Satan’s strategies and policies in the region. With the divine blessing of the great lord, it will also put an immediate end to the criminal regime of Zionists and remove the cancerous tumor of the Zionism from the body of the Islamic world.
— Dec. 7, 2017, in a statement, according to Iran Front Page News

U.S. President Donald Trump

Thank you. When I came into office, I promised to look at the world’s challenges with open eyes and very fresh thinking. We cannot solve our problems by making the same failed assumptions and repeating the same failed strategies of the past. Old challenges demand new approaches.

My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

In 1995, Congress adopted the Jerusalem Embassy Act, urging the federal government to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognize that that city -- and so importantly -- is Israel’s capital. This act passed Congress by an overwhelming bipartisan majority and was reaffirmed by a unanimous vote of the Senate only six months ago.

Yet, for over 20 years, every previous American president has exercised the law’s waiver, refusing to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem or to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city.

Presidents issued these waivers under the belief that delaying the recognition of Jerusalem would advance the cause of peace. Some say they lacked courage, but they made their best judgments based on facts as they understood them at the time. Nevertheless, the record is in. After more than two decades of waivers, we are no closer to a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. It would be folly to assume that repeating the exact same formula would now produce a different or better result.

Therefore, I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering.

I've judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. This is a long-overdue step to advance the peace process and to work towards a lasting agreement.

Israel is a sovereign nation with the right like every other sovereign nation to determine its own capital. Acknowledging this as a fact is a necessary condition for achieving peace.

It was 70 years ago that the United States, under President Truman, recognized the State of Israel. Ever since then, Israel has made its capital in the city of Jerusalem -- the capital the Jewish people established in ancient times. Today, Jerusalem is the seat of the modern Israeli government. It is the home of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, as well as the Israeli Supreme Court. It is the location of the official residence of the Prime Minister and the President. It is the headquarters of many government ministries.

For decades, visiting American presidents, secretaries of state, and military leaders have met their Israeli counterparts in Jerusalem, as I did on my trip to Israel earlier this year.

Jerusalem is not just the heart of three great religions, but it is now also the heart of one of the most successful democracies in the world. Over the past seven decades, the Israeli people have built a country where Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and people of all faiths are free to live and worship according to their conscience and according to their beliefs.

Jerusalem is today, and must remain, a place where Jews pray at the Western Wall, where Christians walk the Stations of the Cross, and where Muslims worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

However, through all of these years, presidents representing the United States have declined to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In fact, we have declined to acknowledge any Israeli capital at all.

But today, we finally acknowledge the obvious: that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. This is nothing more, or less, than a recognition of reality. It is also the right thing to do. It's something that has to be done.

That is why, consistent with the Jerusalem Embassy Act, I am also directing the State Department to begin preparation to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This will immediately begin the process of hiring architects, engineers, and planners, so that a new embassy, when completed, will be a magnificent tribute to peace.

In making these announcements, I also want to make one point very clear: This decision is not intended, in any way, to reflect a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement. We want an agreement that is a great deal for the Israelis and a great deal for the Palestinians. We are not taking a position of any final status issues, including the specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, or the resolution of contested borders. Those questions are up to the parties involved.

The United States remains deeply committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to both sides. I intend to do everything in my power to help forge such an agreement. Without question, Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive issues in those talks. The United States would support a two-state solution if agreed to by both sides.

In the meantime, I call on all parties to maintain the status quo at Jerusalem's holy sites, including the Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif.

Above all, our greatest hope is for peace, the universal yearning in every human soul. With today’s action, I reaffirm my administration’s longstanding commitment to a future of peace and security for the region.

There will, of course, be disagreement and dissent regarding this announcement. But we are confident that ultimately, as we work through these disagreements, we will arrive at a peace and a place far greater in understanding and cooperation.

This sacred city should call forth the best in humanity, lifting our sights to what it is possible; not pulling us back and down to the old fights that have become so totally predictable. Peace is never beyond the grasp of those willing to reach.

So today, we call for calm, for moderation, and for the voices of tolerance to prevail over the purveyors of hate. Our children should inherit our love, not our conflicts.

I repeat the message I delivered at the historic and extraordinary summit in Saudi Arabia earlier this year: The Middle East is a region rich with culture, spirit, and history. Its people are brilliant, proud, and diverse, vibrant and strong. But the incredible future awaiting this region is held at bay by bloodshed, ignorance, and terror.

Vice President Pence will travel to the region in the coming days to reaffirm our commitment to work with partners throughout the Middle East to defeat radicalism that threatens the hopes and dreams of future generations.

It is time for the many who desire peace to expel the extremists from their midst. It is time for all civilized nations, and people, to respond to disagreement with reasoned debate –- not violence.

And it is time for young and moderate voices all across the Middle East to claim for themselves a bright and beautiful future.

So today, let us rededicate ourselves to a path of mutual understanding and respect. Let us rethink old assumptions and open our hearts and minds to possible and possibilities. And finally, I ask the leaders of the region -- political and religious; Israeli and Palestinian; Jewish and Christian and Muslim -- to join us in the noble quest for lasting peace.

Thank you. God bless you. God bless Israel. God bless the Palestinians. And God bless the United States.
― Dec. 6, 2017, in a statement