Arabic version: إيران ترفض الاستسلام للضغط خلال المفاوضات النووية

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that the nation will not submit to pressure from world powers as nuclear negotiations with the United States continue. “World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads… but we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us,” Pezeshkian stated during a speech broadcast live by state television.

Simultaneously, protests erupted in Tehran, where Iranian students voiced anti-government sentiments during rallies commemorating those killed in recent demonstrations. Local and diaspora media reported that the protests included chants of “bi sharaf,” or “disgraceful” in Farsi, as tensions escalated between groups supporting and opposing the clerical leadership.

Footage from Tehran’s top engineering university captured moments of conflict within the crowds, as demonstrators marked the 40th day since the deaths of thousands during the protests that peaked on January 8 and 9. According to France 24, the unrest initially began in December over prolonged financial strain but transformed into widespread anti-government demonstrations, which were met with a violent crackdown by security forces, resulting in significant casualties.

Reports indicate that Iranian authorities acknowledge over 3,000 deaths linked to the protests, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts” instigated by foreign adversaries. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) claims the number of fatalities may exceed 7,000, primarily among protesters.

Local news outlet Fars reported that a planned “silent and peaceful sit-in” to honor the deceased was interrupted by chants of “death to the dictator,” referring to Iran’s supreme leader. Videos showed groups of demonstrators facing off, some waving Iranian flags and holding memorial photographs, while others wore masks and were restrained by security personnel. The ongoing demonstrations coincide with increasing pressure on Iranian authorities to finalize a nuclear deal with the United States, particularly following threats from US President Donald Trump regarding potential military action against Tehran during the protests.