Pezeshkian calls for unity as Iran marks 1979 Revolution anniversary

Iran’s president also says his country does not seek a nuclear weapon, and apologises for his government’s shortcomings.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for national unity in the face of external threats while insisting that his government is willing to negotiate over its nuclear program at a huge public ceremony in Tehran commemorating the 47th anniversary of the founding of the Islamic Republic.

Large crowds gathered in the capital and other cities around the country in a show of support for the government, as the country observed the 1979 anniversary amid one of the most difficult moments in the country’s recent history.

Following the latest round of talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, US President Donald Trump has continued to threaten Tehran with potential military attacks if it does not accede to Washington’s demands on issues ranging from nuclear enrichment to ballistic missiles, with the US leader reportedly considering sending another aircraft carrier group to the region.

Alongside the threats from the US, Iran is also grappling with bitter internal divisions amid the fallout from its deadly crackdown on protests earlier this year, in which thousands of protesters were killed and a cratering economy.

Addressing the crowds in Tehran’s Azadi Square, Pezeshkian called for solidarity amongst Iranians in the face of “conspiracies from imperial powers”.