Iran has criticised the United States by comparing George Floyd’s death to “the feet of arrogance on the neck of independent nations”.

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani used the metaphor during a speech at the United Nations on Tuesday, saying Mr Floyd’s death is “reminiscent of our own experience” with the US.

“We instantly recognise the feet kneeling on the neck as the feet of arrogance on the neck of independent nations,” Mr Rouhani said in pre-recorded remarks.  

“The footage broadcast to the world concerning the treatment of an African American by the US police is reminiscent of our own experience.”

He added: “For decades, the valiant Iranian nation has paid a similar high price for its quest for freedom and liberation from domination and despotism.”

The comments come days after Iran’s currency fell to its lowest ever levels as a result of sanctions imposed by Donald Trump, which effectively prevent the country from selling oil globally.

“The United States can impose neither negotiations, nor war on us. Life is hard under sanctions. However, harder is life without independence," Mr Rouhani said, according to AP.