Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed security forces to exercise restraint toward protesters, provided national security isn’t jeopardized, according to his executive deputy, Mohammad Ghaempanah.
The directive comes amid ongoing demonstrations fueled by Iran’s struggling economy and rising prices, with labor-related grievances also featuring prominently. Ghaempanah affirmed the government’s recognition of the right to peaceful assembly, specifically acknowledging protests centered on economic hardship.
However, he drew a firm line regarding actions crossing into violence or disruption of public order. Ghaempanah cited a recent incident in Ilam province, where protesters occupied a hospital, as an example where intervention by law enforcement was unavoidable. “When a group occupies a hospital, law enforcement authorities cannot remain passive and must act to restore order,” he stated.
A key distinction, Ghaempanah emphasized, exists between legitimate protesters and those engaging in what the government deems “riotous” behavior. He defined this as individuals wielding weapons – including knives and firearms – or targeting military and security installations. Pezeshkian’s order, he reiterated, prioritizes avoiding crackdowns on citizens engaged in peaceful protest, so long as national security remains intact.
The economic pressures driving the protests were addressed in a cabinet meeting where Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati presented a report on the country’s financial situation. Ghaempanah indicated that measures are being planned to stabilize the foreign exchange rate, acknowledging that currency fluctuations are a natural component of the ongoing economic restructuring process. Iran’s currency, the rial, has faced significant devaluation in recent years, contributing to inflationary pressures.
Regarding those arrested during the protests, Ghaempanah stated that security institutions have been instructed to proceed with “maximum leniency.” He specified that individuals not involved in violent acts or linked to foreign entities would be treated with “Islamic compassion,” a term often used by Iranian officials to denote a degree of clemency within the country’s legal framework.
The directive from Pezeshkian represents a potential shift in approach compared to previous responses to widespread protests in Iran, which have often been met with forceful suppression. However, the precise interpretation of “national security” remains undefined, leaving room for potential future intervention.
As of late Tuesday, no further statements have been issued by the Iranian government detailing specific thresholds for intervention or outlining the parameters of the leniency promised to detainees. The Central Bank has not yet publicly released details of the planned measures to control the exchange rate.
