Arab diplomatic participation occurred due to fear of “serious repercussions” that such an action would have on the region
After diplomatic pressure from Arab monarchies such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, gave up, at least for now, on launching an attack against Iran and in the last 24 hours showed signs of easing in the crisis, which were accompanied by similar moves made by the Shiite regime.
The Arab diplomatic participation occurred due to the fear of “serious repercussions” that such an action would have on the region, a senior Saudi official said on Thursday, the 15th.
The Islamic Republic was shaken by protests that began on December 28 as a result of the rising cost of living, which turned into a movement against the theocratic regime in power since the 1979 revolution.
Human rights organizations accuse Iran of carrying out a brutal repression that left thousands dead in a country deprived of internet access a week ago.
According to the latest report from the NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, at least 3,428 protesters have died since the beginning of the movement. Iranian authorities have not given any official report.
This Thursday, the 15th, life had returned to normal in Tehran, according to an AFP journalist in the Iranian capital. There have been no major demonstrations in the country for several days.
According to the Saudi official, the three Gulf countries carried out “a last-ditch, long and intense diplomatic effort to convince President Trump to give Iran the chance to demonstrate good intentions,” he said on condition of anonymity.
Another official from a Gulf monarchy confirmed the conversation and added that he also sent a message to Iran indicating that attacking American facilities in the region “would have consequences” for Tehran’s regional relations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran will defend itself “in the face of any foreign threat” in a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and called for “an international condemnation of any foreign interference.”
The Swiss Foreign Ministry, which represents American interests in Iran, said Iranian security chief Ali Larijani spoke by phone on Wednesday with senior Swiss diplomat Gabriel Luechinger.
Berna offered to “contribute to the de-escalation of the current situation”, indicated the ministry.
This Thursday, the United Nations (UN) Security Council is also scheduled to hold a meeting on Iran.
Since the demonstrations began, the American president has multiplied threats of military intervention.
However, on Wednesday, he said he had been informed “by very important sources” that “the killings have ended” and that the planned executions of protesters “will not take place.” “We will watch and see what happens next,” Trump added, in reference to possible military action.
The White House said Iran had suspended 800 executions scheduled for the previous day, amid Trump’s threats, but declared that “all options remain on the table” if Iranian authorities kill more protesters.
Both the United States and human rights organizations expressed particular concern about the situation of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester who they feared would be executed.
However, Iran denied on Thursday that the protester, detained on Saturday, had been sentenced to death or could be executed.
According to Iranian justice, he is accused of attacking national security and propaganda against the system, a crime that does not carry the death penalty.
“If found guilty, you will be sentenced to a prison sentence,” added the country’s Judiciary. In an interview with American broadcaster Fox News, Araqchi declared that “there will be no executions today or tomorrow”.
Trump reacted on his social network, Truth Social, where he stated: “this is good news. I hope it stays that way!”
A week without internet
While Washington appears to have backed away from possible military action, the Treasury Department announced new sanctions against Iranian security officials and financial networks. Iran is already the target of harsh international sanctions for its nuclear program, which contributed to the economic problems that triggered the protests.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, “calm reigns” in the country and the authorities have “complete control” of the situation. The organization specializing in digital security NetBlocks stated this Thursday that the internet block imposed by Iranian authorities has lasted a week.
Despite the blackout, new videos of the protests were leaked onto the internet, with locations checked by AFP, in which it is possible to see bodies lined up in the Kahrizak morgue, south of Tehran, while desperate family members searched for their relatives.
*Estadão Content
