Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a rare public appearance in Tehran on Wednesday, stepping into large crowds during Farvardin 12 celebrations, as the country's leadership tried to project calm and continuity amid war and fresh speculation over ceasefire talks.
The video, posted by RT TV Network on X, showed Pezeshkian moving through demonstrators and Araghchi walking alongside participants as crowds gathered to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Republic. Araghchi told the crowd, “I came here simply to boost my morale,” while also saying he had come “to enjoy this unity and popular cohesion, God” underscoring the leadership's effort to present a united front in public.
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The timing is notable as Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently spoken of delivering a “blow to the senior leadership” in Iran and said, “we are systematically crushing the terrorist regime.” Against this backdrop, Iran's decision to have its top leadership appear in public among crowds is being seen as a calculated display of continuity and resilience.
The gatherings took place to mark Farvardin 12, a significant date commemorating the establishment of the Islamic Republic after the 1979 revolution. Witnesses reported large crowds filling public spaces, with events continuing into the evening.
Masoud Pezeshkian was seen interacting with attendees, joining what officials described as demonstrations of support for the country and its political system.
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The appearance comes after a tense stretch marked by uncertainty and major developments. Senior Iranian officials had last been seen publicly during Quds Day events a few weeks earlier. Soon after, Iran's de facto leader Ali Larijani was assassinated.
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