In a significant shift in policy, Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to end the morality police’s harassment of women. This announcement comes on the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody, an event that sparked nationwide protests. Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, was arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. Her death sparked months of protests, leading to the deaths of hundreds, including dozens of security personnel, and the arrest of thousands of demonstrators.
Pezeshkian made the promise during his first press conference since assuming office in July. He replaced the ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. Pezeshkian emphasized that the morality police were never intended to confront women and promised to ensure their safety.
In addition to addressing the morality police, Pezeshkian also touched upon Iran’s strict internet control, a policy enforced to suppress dissent. He announced that his government is working to ease restrictions on online platforms, particularly social media, which have been heavily censored in recent years.
The press conference also addressed Iran’s complex relationship with the West, particularly the United States. Pezeshkian stressed that Iran desires peace and does not seek conflict, but will defend its rights. He criticized the US for its hostile actions and highlighted the absence of Iranian military bases near the United States, contrasting this with US military presence around the world.
He also spoke about the 2015 nuclear deal, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to the agreement and blaming the US for its withdrawal in 2018, which led to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran. Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s stance that it does not seek nuclear weapons.
The president further addressed recently imposed sanctions by Britain, France, and Germany on Iranian air transport, accusing Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. Pezeshkian firmly denied these accusations, vowing to retaliate against the sanctions. He also emphasized that Iran has not provided any weapons to Russia since his administration took office.
Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to maintaining its missile program, which has been criticized by the West. He argued that it serves as a deterrent against Israel, Iran’s arch-foe. He insisted that any disarmament efforts should start with Israel, which he claims poses a threat to Iran through its ability to launch air strikes.
His statements come amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. After a Hamas attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, Israel has launched a relentless offensive against Hamas.
While Iran has publicly supported Hamas’s attack, it has denied any involvement. Iran does not recognize Israel and has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause since the Islamic revolution of 1979.
