Iran has maintained its political pressure over the killing and wounded of almost 1,500 Palestinians by Israel’s security forces.
On Friday, Israeli forces fired on demonstrators in a “Great March of Return” on the border between Gaza and Israel. Sixteen people were slain and more than 1,400 wounded, including almost 800 by live fire.
The Revolutionary Guards soon declared that the episode would accelerate Israel’s “eradication”, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote, “Zionist tyrants murder peaceful Palestinian protesters”.
On Sunday, Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani took up the criticism of “criminal and inhumane” actions, announcing a “dangerous plot” by Israel and Donald Trump in the Middle East.
“Tel Aviv’s ruling terrorists only understand the language of force and resistance [as] the most important factor in countering the ambitious goals of the Zionist regime,” Larijani told Parliament.
He called on Parliaments of the members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to condemn Israel, support the rights of Palestinians and “prevent the Zionists from creating a new crisis”.
Iran may get further opportunities to exploit Israel’s confrontation of demonstration. The Great March of Return is scheduled to culminate on May 15, when Palestinians commemorate the “Nakba” when many were displaced from their homes in the Arab-Israeli War of 1948.
The Great March of Return is scheduled to culminate on May 15, when Palestinians commemorate the “Nakba” when many were displaced from their homes in the Arab-Israeli War of 1948.
Indeed. In the meantime, Iran faces May 1st labor day protests. Will Rouhani permit street demonstrations?
Better question: will the Supreme Leader and Guards permit them?
The decision rests with the Interior Minister and, if necessary, the Supreme National Security Council which is chaired by the President. I very much doubt that Khamenei is going to get involved in something that falls outside of his core duties. There will be an assembly, but the question remains whether it will be allowed on the streets or will be held indoors.
Yeah, right. The Supreme Leader has no interest in this issue at all.
Believe it or not, the Leader doesn’t have to be consulted on every matter of government policy, and give his approval accordingly, including issuing permits for demonstrations. The Interior Ministry is in charge of this, as per the law. The Leader’s representatives, and the head of the IRGC, could bring the matter up at the SNSC, if necessary, but Khamenei has no particular interest or prerogative in such an issue.