Iran Protests Erupt Over Potential US Peace Deal; Top Diplomat Abbas Araghchi Faces Resignation Calls

Kathmandu. As discussions for a potential peace deal with the United States intensify, opposition to it has also begun to flare up within Iran. In the northeastern city of Mashhad, dozens of protesters chanted slogans against the potential deal outside the Foreign Ministry office, demanding the resignation of top diplomat Abbas Araghchi.

In a video released by the Iranian news agency Fars, protesters, including women in black attire, are seen gathered in front of the Foreign Ministry office holding red and black flags. They chanted slogans such as 'Araghchi, Resign' and 'Down with Intruders'.

The background to the protest is said to be a recent interview given by Foreign Minister Araghchi on state television. In that interview, he hinted at some aspects of the potential US-Iran deal, which has further intensified political debate within the country.

According to opponents of the deal, the proposed arrangement could be against Iran's strategic interests. They argue that it would weaken Tehran's influence over the Strait of Hormuz and that the negotiators have made excessive concessions.

This dissatisfaction is said to have increased particularly after information was made public through state television that the potential deal might include a provision to lift the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. The control of the Strait of Hormuz has long been a point of contention between the United States and Iran.

In the interview, Araghchi stated that 'the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be as it was before' and that the waterway is one of Iran's 'main means of resistance'.

Meanwhile, unverified videos circulating on social media claim that similar protests have taken place outside the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran. These visuals show protesters chanting slogans demanding the resignation of Foreign Minister Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ghalibaf is said to be involved in the negotiation process.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump and Pakistani officials have stated that the deal could be finalized soon. Islamabad had indicated on Sunday itself that the deal could be concluded through electronic signatures.

However, Tehran has been cautious about the timeline. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai downplayed claims of an immediate conclusion of the deal, stating, 'It will not happen tomorrow.' However, he did not rule out the possibility of the deal being formalized in the coming days.