Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian expressed regret over the deaths of protesters Action by the security forces against the recent protests expressed. Peseschkian said on Wednesday at a commemoration event for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that he apologized to everyone who was affected by the protests and their bloody suppression. At the same time, he condemned unspecified “Western propaganda” in connection with the demonstrations.
Peseschkian said he was aware of people’s great sadness. However, he did not directly address the responsibility of Iranian security forces for the bloodshed. “We are ashamed before the people and are obliged to stand by all those affected by these incidents,” said the President, assuring: “We do not seek confrontation with the people.”
The revolution celebrations offered a divided view of life in Iran. President Peseschkian tried to sound authoritative. Meanwhile, state television showed tens of thousands of supporters of the theocratic system burning US flags and chanting “Death to America” at rallies. Some also criticized Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the Shah who was overthrown in 1979. He had encouraged his compatriots to carry out further protests. Others carried pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all issues.
Pro-regime demonstrations and heckling
In the capital Tehran, state television showed government supporters on the major traffic routes in the city center. “Millions of Iranians” took part in the celebrations in more than 1,400 cities and around 40,000 villages, state news agency Irna reported. Traditionally, the state also displayed military equipment. Among other things, mobile truck launching pads with dummy ballistic missiles could be seen on the streets, as images from pro-government media showed.
On the eve of the revolutionary celebrations, according to witnesses, shouts such as “Death to the dictator” could be heard. A man sadly watched the commemoration from the sidewalk in Tehran. “In recent years I have regularly attended the rally,” he said, wishing to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. “But how can I do that now, when the asphalt of the roads last month soaked in blood became?”
The wave of protests began at the end of December after the local currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the dollar. It spread to the entire country and was soon directed against the country’s theocratic constitution. In the violent suppression of the demonstrations According to activists, security forces killed thousands of people. Tens of thousands more were arrested.
Peseschkian open to concessions
US President Donald Trump threatened military action because of the violence against demonstrators. He later backed away from this on the grounds that Iran had promised to stop hundreds of executions. Nevertheless, Trump continued to increase US forces in the Middle East, coupled with demands that Iran make concessions on its nuclear program. In his own words, he is considering ordering another aircraft carrier to the region.
Peseschkian also addressed the nuclear negotiations with the USA and asserted that Iran does not want to build a nuclear bomb. “We are not seeking nuclear weapons (…) and are prepared for any kind of verification,” he explained. “At the same time, we are fully committed to a dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the region, together with our neighboring countries.” The talks have not yet come to a conclusion because the “United States and Europe have created a high wall of mistrust through their previous statements and actions.”
Teheran is currently negotiating with the USA over its nuclear program. However, it remains unclear whether an agreement can be reached. At the same time, the International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable to control Iran’s nuclear program for months.