On May 24, President Masoud Pezeshkian tapped into one of Iran’s significant wartime symbols, signaling Iran’s steadfastness against the United States and Israel, according to counterterrorism experts. His statements emerged at a pivotal time in diplomatic relations, with President Donald Trump suggesting that a deal to end hostilities with Iran was “almost done,” while also emphasizing that the U.S. might either sign a “great and meaningful” agreement or withdraw completely.
Iran has hinted at a preliminary agreement with the U.S. regarding certain points, yet they maintain that a comprehensive deal isn’t just around the corner, with further negotiations needed to hammer out the remaining details.
Iran’s top diplomat emphasizes the nation’s resilience: ‘No to great powers’
“Today’s Khorramshahr symbolizes Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz,” Pezeshkian stated during commemorations of the recapture of Khorramshahr from Iraqi forces back in 1982. He reiterated that “resistance, self-sacrifice, and repelling aggression are deeply rooted in our culture.”
Experts believe that Pezeshkian intentionally referenced one of the Islamic Republic’s core ideological tenets—this battle epitomizes the spirit of resistance and civilian sacrifice against invasions. “The timing is significant, as this resonates deeply with the Iran-Iraq war,” remarked Dr. Omar Mohammed from the Anti-Semitism Research Initiative at George Washington University.
May 24 marks the anniversary of Khorramshahr’s liberation—an event following months of intense urban combat, where Iranian forces reclaimed the city, initially seized by Saddam Hussein in 1982.
Exploring Iran’s longstanding conflict with the U.S.
“This event is central to the narrative of the Islamic Republic: the valor of civilian resistance and repulsion of an ‘invading force’,” noted Mohammed, adding that Pezeshkian’s rhetoric draws parallelism between the defensive war of 1980-1982 and contemporary confrontations, emphasizing the notion of ordinary citizens, considered brave yet inexperienced, defending against aggressors.
He explained that some phrases used also invoke the image of volunteer soldiers and Basij fighters facing off against professional military forces. Pezeshkian’s remarks on the “Hormuz line” align with typical Iranian strategies for escalation.
Iran engages in live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz
By evoking wartime mobilization themes, Pezeshkian aimed to convey a potent message, indicating that this isn’t merely a managed crisis but something much more existential. “The Khorramshahr narrative reflects the regime’s deepest concerns, portraying an existential war scenario,” he stated.
Muhammad mentioned that a recent post by Pezeshkian sends a “high-stakes message,” framing the ongoing conflict through this lens. “It suggests a prevailing attitude at home; Khorramshahr stands for the idea that ‘we are under attack, thus we will not enter negotiations,'” he added.
