Protests Erupt in Mashhad Over Iran-US Peace Deal
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside a foreign ministry office in Iran's northeastern city of Mashhad on Saturday, voicing strong opposition to a potential peace agreement with the United States. The protest targeted top diplomat Abbas Araghchi following his televised interview about the proposed deal, according to a video shared by the Fars news agency.
The footage showed women in black chadors waving red and black flags while chanting slogans like "Death to dishonourable Araghchi, the infiltrator" in front of the premises. This reflects mounting domestic friction as the peace deal faces severe pushback from hardline Iranian factions.
Opposition to the Agreement
Critics argue that the current terms undermine Tehran's strategic interests and would strip Iran of its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. They have accused Iranian negotiators of making excessive concessions to secure the deal.
The outrage follows Araghchi's state television broadcast, where he stated the agreement includes provisions for dismantling the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, imposed after Iran's own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi noted that "The administration of the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be the same as before," while maintaining the waterway remains one of Iran's "main instruments of deterrence."
Wider Protests and Political Fallout
Unverified social media footage showed similar crowds gathering outside the foreign ministry headquarters in Tehran, with protesters demanding political exits. Chants of "Araghchi, resign" and "Ghalibaf, resign" were directed at the foreign minister and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also the chief negotiator.
While former US President Trump and Pakistani officials indicated the deal could be finalized as early as Sunday, Tehran authorities remained cautious. Trump claimed a framework agreement would be signed on Sunday, with Islamabad organizing an electronic signing ceremony. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei downplayed an immediate conclusion, stating, "It will not be tomorrow," though he acknowledged a deal might be formalized in the coming days.
The protests highlight the deep divisions within Iran over the peace process, with hardliners vowing to resist any agreement they perceive as weakening the nation's strategic position.
