In a significant televised address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed a willingness to engage with citizens as protests against the country’s economic situation escalate. While showing a commitment to address the grievances of the populace, he also pointed to external forces, specifically the United States and Israel, as catalysts of unrest that has claimed numerous lives. This discourse reflects a complex interplay of internal challenges and foreign relations, as Iran navigates a path toward stability amid rising tensions.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has committed to revitalizing Iran’s beleaguered economy, asserting that his government is prepared to listen to its citizens following two weeks of increasingly violent nationwide protests. During a recent interview aired by state television, Pezeshkian adopted a conciliatory tone, emphasizing his administration’s resolve to tackle the nation’s economic difficulties while simultaneously accusing external forces, namely the United States and Israel, of instigating the deadly unrest.
The turmoil in Iran surged in late December as the local currency faced drastic devaluation, triggering mass demonstrations fueled by rampant inflation and rising living costs. Over time, these protests have evolved beyond mere economic concerns, taking on a distinctly political nature as they challenge the government.
In his address, Pezeshkian charged the US and Israel with attempts to “sow chaos and disorder” by manipulating the unrest and urged Iranians to reject what he characterized as “rioters and terrorists.” These demonstrations mark the largest mobilization of citizens since the notable protests of 2022-2023, which were ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody for purportedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.
“People have concerns. We should sit with them, and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” Pezeshkian stated. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society.” This statement reflects a dual acknowledgment of public concern and a determination to maintain social order.
Tohid Asadi, a correspondent for ZezapTV in Tehran, reported that Iranian officials have been working to differentiate between peaceful demonstrators expressing valid concerns and what they label as foreign-trained rioters instigating violence. Senior officials recognized the legitimacy of public anger regarding soaring prices and inflation, stressing that many citizens are under significant economic pressure.
Amid the unrest, reports indicate that 109 security personnel have lost their lives during demonstrations. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reinforced the distinction between peaceful protesters and armed activists, affirming the government’s recognition of citizens’ right to vocalize their economic grievances while also vowing to confront any potential threats from “terrorists.”
A former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Qalibaf also issued a stern warning to Washington following remarks from US President Donald Trump, who suggested the possibility of military action against Iran if authorities harm demonstrators. “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories [Israel] as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate targets,” he declared, highlighting the rising stakes in the diplomatic arena as domestic tensions intensify.
As the Iranian government faces one of its most daunting domestic challenges in years, Trump’s comments, which included a declaration of the US standing “ready to help” Iran, signify an alarming escalation in rhetoric. Amidst this turmoil, the Ministry of Interior reported a nationwide internet blackout persisting for over 60 hours, claiming that the unrest is diminishing, while the attorney general warned protesters of severe consequences, including the death penalty.
Human rights organizations have reported at least 51 fatalities among protesters, including nine children, in addition to numerous injuries and widespread arrests across the nation. As Iran navigates through this turbulent period, the balance between addressing internal dissent and external pressures remains crucial to fostering long-term stability in the region.
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