Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the commitment of his administration to peace and security, both domestically and internationally, during a visit to North Khorasan province on December 28. At the same time, Iran has announced to lift ban on WhatsApp and Google Play.
“We desire friendly relations with the countries of the region and the world, and we are striving to establish peace and security both inside and outside the country,” he stated.
Pezeshkian underscored Iran’s defensive posture, linking the country’s military initiatives and nuclear advancements to self-defense.
“We do not intend to invade other countries’ territories, nor will we allow anyone to encroach upon our borders or rights. Preserving the integrity of the country is a fundamental principle for us, but at the same time, our focus is on peace and security,” he declared.
Transitioning dynamics of Middle East
Iran’s call for diplomacy comes amid setbacks for its regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, which have faced significant losses in recent months.
These developments align with shifting regional dynamics, including warnings from Syria’s new Sunni Islamist leaders urging Iran to stay out of the country’s affairs following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Iran has maintained a military presence in Syria since 2011, complicating its relations in the region.
Pezeshkian’s message contrasts with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s firm opposition to normalization efforts with the West and Israel, raising questions about Iran’s balance between ideological stances and pragmatic diplomacy.
Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play
In a significant policy shift on December 24, Iran’s government lifted a two-year ban on WhatsApp and the Google Play Store. The decision, reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reflected efforts to relax stringent internet controls.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi announced the move as a collaborative effort to reassess internet governance. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he described it as “the first step” toward broader digital freedoms.
“A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play,” Iran’s official IRNA news agency said.
The restrictions, originally imposed during protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, highlighted public dissatisfaction with government policies.
Although the bans are easing, officials maintain a dual strategy of promoting local platforms while gradually restoring access to global tools, balancing public demand with control over the digital landscape.
However, other social media platforms, including Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube, remain blocked after they were banned in 2009. Over the years, Iranians have grown accustomed to using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet restrictions.