Mon Sep 16 16:12:16 UTC 2024: ## New Iranian President Vows End to Morality Police Harassment, Eases Internet Restrictions
**Tehran, Iran** – In a significant policy shift, Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has vowed to end harassment of women by the morality police, marking a key concession following the nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody two years ago.
Speaking at his first press conference since assuming office in July, Pezeshkian declared that the morality police should not be confronting women and he would ensure they stop bothering them. This pledge comes after his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, was known for his staunch enforcement of the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code.
The president also outlined plans to ease long-standing internet restrictions, including access to social media platforms like Facebook and X, which have been tightly controlled by the Iranian government. This move signals a potential shift towards greater online freedom, particularly after the harsh curbs imposed during the 2019 fuel price protests and the Amini protests.
Addressing Iran’s fraught relationship with the United States, Pezeshkian expressed a desire for peaceful co-existence, stating, “We do not want to fight with America if it respects our rights.” He emphasized that Iran has not been the aggressor in the tense relationship, pointing out the lack of Iranian military bases near American territory.
The president also addressed the ongoing nuclear deal negotiations, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the framework of the agreement while highlighting the US’s withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent reimposition of sanctions. He reiterated Iran’s stance against seeking nuclear weapons and blamed the US for forcing Tehran to suspend compliance with nuclear activity caps.
On the recent sanctions imposed by Britain, France, and Germany over Iran’s alleged supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, Pezeshkian denied any such involvement. He acknowledged past military cooperation with Russia but insisted that no weapons have been supplied since he took office.
The president’s pronouncements on the morality police, internet restrictions, and relations with the West mark a potential shift in Iranian policy. Whether these promises translate into tangible changes remains to be seen, but they offer a glimmer of hope for reform and a less confrontational approach to international relations.
First Piper 