Iran's president apologises for crackdown on protesters

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to those affected by recent nationwide protests and the government's crackdown, and said Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons as talks with the United States continue.

Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, offered an apology to people affected by recent nationwide protests and the government's response. He said authorities felt shame and were obligated to assist those harmed, while not directly assigning responsibility to security forces. The remarks came as Iran observed the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The country remains under domestic strain and international scrutiny amid ongoing talks over its nuclear programme. What is known: - Pezeshkian apologised to those affected and said authorities must assist those harmed. - The protests were met with a violent crackdown that, according to reports, resulted in many deaths and large numbers of detentions. - Iran stated it is not seeking nuclear weapons and said it was open to verification, while the IAEA has been unable for months to inspect Iran's nuclear stockpile. - Regional tensions have risen as the United States moved an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East and discussed sending another, and Iranian officials have engaged in talks in Oman and Qatar. Summary: The apology underscores domestic unease and comes amid ongoing nuclear negotiations and heightened regional military activity. Undetermined at this time.