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In a meeting with activists who were born in the nation where the Islamic authority is waging a crackdown, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday praised the massive demonstrations in Iran as “amazing.” Blinken hailed the “amazing demonstrations of courage throughout Iran as women, young people, and many others continue to stand up for the fundamental rights that continue to be denied to them by the Iranian dictatorship” in the opening remarks of a meeting at the State Department.
After the death on September 16 of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by the renowned morality police, Iran had its largest wave of protests in years.
“I think we are seeing something that is pretty amazing throughout the country, led particularly by women and young people, in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death and the spontaneous demonstration of outrage that this has caused,” Blinken said.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, an advocate for women’s rights, and US point man on Iran Rob Malley, who has facilitated months of negotiations to revive a 2015 nuclear agreement, were present with Blinken.
Actress Nazanin Boniadi, author Roya Hakakian, and advocate for gender equality Sherry Hakimi all attended the conference.
According to Hakakian, the group encouraged President Joe Biden’s government to call off the nuclear discussions, which might result in a lifting of severe sanctions against Iran if that country complies with its nuclear program’s limitations.
“We all agreed that the nuclear talks should be put on hold until the violence stops. And I believe that everyone clearly heard what we said “After the meeting, she spoke with National Public Radio.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House, stated on Thursday that although the United States still supported the nuclear agreement, it was unlikely that it would be restored “anytime soon.”
Hardline cleric and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi accuse the US of inciting the demonstrations in an effort to topple the Islamic state.
Blinken claimed that he was prepared for similar charges that his meeting demonstrated that the demonstrations were external.
If that is the case, then the Iranian leadership “essentially — fundamentally — does not comprehend their own people,” according to Blinken.
