Mashhad, Iran. An Iranian news agency on Saturday published video showing protesters in Mashhad chanting slogans against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi amid speculation that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran could be close.
The footage released by Fars news agency showed dozens of demonstrators, including many women, gathered outside a Foreign Ministry building and calling for Araghchi’s resignation.
Protest footage published by Iranian media
According to Fars, protesters chanted slogans including “Death to dishonest Araghchi.” Women wearing black chadors and waving flags were visible in the footage.
Official comments on possible agreement
On Friday, Araghchi said on Iranian television that he was optimistic about the prospect of reaching an agreement with the United States aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s prime minister said that the signing of an agreement to end the war was scheduled for Sunday. Pakistan has played a mediating role in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian ministry response and hardline opposition
Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that an agreement was expected to be signed on Sunday, while saying that one could possibly be reached “in the coming days”.
The possibility of a settlement has prompted strong reactions among hardliners in Iran, who oppose concessions, particularly over control of the Strait of Hormuz, which the article said has been de facto blocked by the Islamic Republic since the start of hostilities.