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Picture Shows Iran Airport Using American Flag as Welcome Mat

Hassan Rouhani
Hassan Rouhani / AP
February 1, 2017

Iran’s central airport in Tehran is using an American flag as a welcome mat for incoming travelers to step on, according to pictures posted on social media.

The placement of the U.S. flag on the floor is said to be a direct response to the Trump administration’s recent executive order halting immigration from Iran and other countries tied to terrorism.

The picture could not be independently verified by the Washington Free Beacon.

https://twitter.com/Najmah313/status/826796637670490112

Tensions between Tehran and the United States have escalated in recent weeks since the Trump administration moved into office. Iran confirmed on Wednesday that it had once again test fired a ballistic missile, which could put it in violation of international bans on such activity.

The State Department told the Free Beacon on Tuesday that it is closely following the recent tests and would seek to ensure Tehran is complying with the nuclear deal.

"We're aware of reports that Iran conducted a medium-range ballistic missile test in recent days," State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said. "We are looking into these reports. We are, however, well aware of and deeply troubled by Iran's longstanding provocative and irresponsible activities and we call on Iran to cease such provocations."

Iranian officials maintain that the missile tests are not a breach of the nuclear accord and have vowed to continue this activity.

Iran also has moved to retaliate against the United States for President Donald Trumps order on immigration. This would include halting travel to Iran for anyone carrying an American visa.

Congressional efforts in 2015 to tighten visa waivers also drew outrage from Iran, prompting the Obama administration to install caveats with exceptions for the Islamic Republic, the Free Beacon reported at the time. Iran maintained that the restrictions violated the nuclear accord.