President Pezeshkian’s Approach Amid Unrest in Iran

In a recent interview broadcast on state television, President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a conciliatory tone while addressing the violent unrest plaguing Iran. The demonstrations, which have intensified over the past two weeks, have led to significant loss of life and heightened tensions. Pezeshkian’s government is facing mounting pressure as public discontent grows, primarily fueled by economic strife, soaring inflation, and a plummeting currency.

A Confrontational Narrative

Despite presenting a willingness to listen to the people, President Pezeshkian launched accusations against external forces, particularly the United States and Israel, which he claims are instigating unrest. He described the violent protests as being manipulated by “trained terrorists” sent to destabilize the nation. His remarks seem to serve dual purposes: addressing national concerns while consolidating a narrative that frames unrest as foreign interference rather than a domestic uprising rooted in genuine grievances.

Acknowledging Economic Struggles

During his address, Pezeshkian emphasized the government’s duty to address the economic hardships faced by citizens. He acknowledged that the inflationary crisis, which has seen the Iranian rial lose substantial value, has led to widespread discontent. The protests started after the currency crash in late December, leading to a mix of economic and political demonstrations. The president’s comments seem to reflect a recognition of the urgency to transform economic policies in response to public outcry.

Distinguishing Protesters from Rioters

A striking theme in Pezeshkian’s statements was the differentiation between legitimate protesters and so-called “rioters.” He urged families to prevent their youth from joining what he characterized as terrorist activities. This narrative is echoed by various Iranian officials who have sought to distinguish the majority of peaceful demonstrators from those engaging in violence. Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reinforced this idea by recognizing peaceful protests while advocating a hard stance against armed demonstrators.

The Impact of Recent Violence

The toll of the unrest has been severe, with reports indicating that at least 109 members of security forces have lost their lives during these clashes. Opposition activists claim that the actual death toll among protesters is significantly higher. During this period of unrest, Iran’s leadership has employed robust rhetoric, calling for national unity against external threats while grappling with internal discontent.

Government’s Response to Protests

In response to the ongoing protests, Iranian authorities have declared three days of mourning for the security personnel killed in the line of duty. State media have framed a nationwide rally as a demonstration of support for the government and condemnation of what they term as “terrorist actions” instigated by foreign powers. Meanwhile, international observers, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have expressed concerns over violence against protesters, urging the Iranian government to exercise restraint.

Media and Government Control

The Iranian government’s response to the unrest has included a significant crackdown on communications, including an extended internet blackout that some monitoring groups indicate has lasted over 60 hours. This restriction on information flow has exacerbated tensions, leaving many in the dark about several key developments and experiences during the protests.

External Relations

Internationally, relations remain tense, particularly regarding accusations of foreign interference by Western nations. Iran summoned Britain’s ambassador following remarks deemed interventionist, responding to symbolic acts such as the removal of the Iranian flag from the London Embassy. This situation illustrates the broader diplomatic strains that permeate Iran’s dealings with Western nations, especially amidst accusations of external manipulation during a time of national crisis.

The Road Ahead

As Pezeshkian’s administration continues to navigate these turbulent waters, the emphasis remains on economic recovery and addressing grievances without losing sight of the narratives that characterize the ongoing unrest. Balancing these internal pressures with external accusations of foreign interference will be a challenge for the Iranian leadership in the days ahead.