By

Amir Daftari is a Newsweek reporter primarily based in London, specializing in world affairs with a give attention to the Center East. He joined Newsweek in 2024 from the United Nations and has beforehand labored at CNN Worldwide. A graduate of the London College of Economics, Amir has obtained a number of awards for his reporting, together with his protection of the Arab Spring and the 2021 Iranian elections. You will get in contact with Amir by emailing a.daftari@newsweek.com. Languages: English and Farsi

Amir Daftari

Information Reporter

A whole bunch of 1000’s of Iranians took to the streets on February 10 to mark the forty sixth anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with senior officers utilizing the event to ship a direct warning to U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Trump ramps up his “most stress” marketing campaign, Iranian leaders framed the nationwide rallies as a present of defiance towards Washington’s escalating sanctions and political maneuvers. Newsweek contacted the U.S. State Division for remark by way of electronic mail.

Why It Issues

Donald Trump’s return to the White Home has reignited tensions between the U.S. and Iran, bringing again the aggressive sanctions technique that Tehran has lengthy denounced.

The Iranian financial system is below immense pressure, with the rial hitting report lows towards the U.S. greenback, whereas protests lately have highlighted rising public discontent. But, Iranian leaders used the anniversary rally to mission resilience, signaling that Trump’s stress marketing campaign is not going to drive them into submission.

What to Know

With President Trump reimposing his “most stress” coverage towards Iran, tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated. Nonetheless, Trump has additionally mentioned that is he is open to negotiations and needs to work with Iran in the direction of a brand new nuclear deal.

Difficult Trump

President Masoud Pezeshkian immediately challenged Trump’s insurance policies, accusing the U.S. of hypocrisy. “Trump says he needs dialogue, however in the identical breath indicators and broadcasts each doable plot to deliver the revolution to its knees,” he acknowledged. He contrasted this with U.S. help for Israel, saying, “He claims Iran has destabilized the area, whereas Israel, with American help, carries out killings, looting, and bombardment. They name us terrorists but they themselves are the terrorists.”

International Minister Abbas Araghchi, talking within the metropolis of Hamadan, bolstered Iran’s stance on sovereignty. “The Islamic Revolution was meant to make sure that no foreigner would dare dictate phrases to the Iranian individuals and management.”

In the meantime, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref dismissed any notion of diplomacy with Washington. “America has by no means been reliable and nonetheless is not,” he informed reporters on the rally.

Regional Tensions

Iran’s regional affect stays key. Tehran has framed itself because the chief of regional resistance towards Israel. Iranian officers are making it clear that any U.S. escalation—whether or not by way of sanctions or army stress—can be met with defiance.

What Folks Are Saying

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned: “Trump comes and broadcasts let’s discuss however on the similar place he broadcasts and indicators all plots. They unfold propaganda that the nation has been weak. We’re robust.”

U.S. President Donald Trump warned: “I would love a deal achieved with Iran on non-nuclear. I would favor that to bombing the hell out of it.”

Trita Parsi, Quincy Institute for Accountable Statecraft, informed Newsweek: “The Iranians are fearful that Trump will broaden the agenda as soon as talks begin after which attempt to coerce Iran on issues that aren’t up for negotiation.”

What Occurs Subsequent

Iran’s management has made clear that Trump’s stress marketing campaign is not going to drive it into submission. With the White Home doubling down on financial and political stress, Tehran is signaling that it’s ready for extended confrontation if needed.

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