Protests in Iran on Historic Anniversary

Large-scale street protests broke out in Iran today on the 30th anniversary of the occupation of the American embassy. Normally an anti-American holiday, the day was turned into an opportunity to denounce the Iranian government, with protestors chanting anti-regime slogans. Although protestors faced difficulties organizing in the face of government threats of a crackdown, there seem to be protests in cities across the country. There have also been reports of clashes between police and the protestors in and around Seven Tir Square in downtown Tehran. Scott Lucas conveys reports and rumors from the day’s protests on his blog.

As Michael Slackman points out, many of the leaders of the embassy take-over are now under attack for their anti-regime activities. One such leader, Ayatollah Montazeri, today apologized for occupying the U.S. embassy, which he called a “mistake.” Setareh Sabety reports on one female journalist in jail for supporting the reformists.

Iran’s domestic tensions seem to be delaying a deal on nuclear weapons, though Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei placed the blame on U.S. “arrogance.” Many question whether President Obama has focused on nuclear issues at the expense of support for Iranian human rights, though others like Matthew Yglesias argue conservative accusations that an opposition to economic sanctions is the same as support for the regime are unfounded. Some of the slogans protestors chanted condemned negotiations and urged Obama to support the dissidents. The White House released a statement calling on the Iranian government to fulfill its international obligations and recognizing the protestors’ calls for democracy.