Crowds in Iran took to the streets to set fire to US and Israeli flags following the agreement of a two-week ceasefire just before the deadline set by Donald Trump. The ceasefire was reached after a call from the Pakistani Prime Minister for more time to facilitate diplomatic talks between Iran, the US, and Israel. Prior to the ceasefire, Trump had issued a grave ultimatum, warning that failure to reach a deal would result in dire consequences.
Trump retracted his doomsday threats shortly before the deadline he had imposed on Tehran. In response to the ceasefire announcement, pro-government demonstrators in Iran’s capital chanted slogans against America and Israel while burning flags of the two countries on the streets.
The reaction underscored the deep-seated resentment among hardliners who had been anticipating a catastrophic confrontation with the United States. The ceasefire agreement included a provision for Iran to permit the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which had been effectively blocked since the conflict with the US and Israel began.
Iran’s Foreign Minister confirmed that the strait would be open under Iranian military supervision, allowing both Iran and Oman to levy fees on passing ships. Images from the scene showed demonstrators holding up images of the Ayatollah and burning flags in Enqelab square, Tehran.
The atmosphere was tense as crowds expressed their hostility towards America, Israel, and anyone seen as compromising. A large gathering in Tehran waved Iranian flags in celebration of the ceasefire deal, while anti-war protesters outside the White House voiced their opposition hours before the agreement was announced.