Iran: Rouhani calls for respecting people’s will

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned the country’s leaders that they will face the fate of the late Iranian Shah if they ignore popular discontent.

Rouhani’s remarks came in a televised speech on the eve of the ten day national celebrations marking the 39th anniversary of Khomeini’s accession to power and the fall of the Shah’s regime.

“All the Republic’s leaders must listen to the people’s demands and wishes,” Rouhani said, adding that the former regime has lost everything because it did not listen to the people.

“The Shah did not listen to the people’s advice. The voices of reformists, advisers, academics, elites and intellectuals have not been heard,” he added.

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“The Iranian people, who gained their independence and freedom, will preserve them and will safeguard the Islamic Republic forever,” said Rouhani. “As long as the people are keen to preserve the culture of Islam and Iran and maintain their national unity, no great power will be able to change the destiny of this nation,” he said in reference to the United States.

Hundreds of Iranians protested earlier this month across the country against economic difficulties and corruptions. Some 25 people were killed as a result of the authorities’ heavy handed crackdown on protesters.

Meanwhile, images of Iranian women protesting individually in Tehran against the country’s strict dress code have been spreading on social media websites.