Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for national unity to confront external threats while insisting that his government was willing to negotiate its nuclear program at a large public ceremony in Tehran to mark the 47th anniversary of the founding of the Islamic Republic.

Huge crowds gathered in the capital and other cities across the country to show support for the government as the 1979 anniversary was celebrated during one of the most difficult moments in the country’s recent history.

After latest round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. President Donald Trump have continue to threaten Tehran and potential military attack U.S. leaders are reportedly considering sending another aircraft carrier group to the region if it does not accept Washington’s demands on issues such as nuclear enrichment and ballistic missiles.

In addition to threats from the United States, Iran launched a deadly crackdown on protests earlier this year that killed thousands of protesters and caused deep internal divisions. a troubled economy.

Pezeshkian addressed a crowd in Tehran’s Freedom Square, calling on the Iranian people to unite in the face of “the conspiracy of the imperial powers.”

“We stand together … united in the face of all plots against our country,” he said, adding that the strength and unity of the Iranian people “causes concern for our enemies.”

“We should continue to stand side by side.”

Regarding nuclear negotiations, he said Iran “does not seek nuclear weapons” and is “ready for any form of verification.”

However, he said the “wall of distrust” created by the United States and Europe “does not allow these negotiations to reach a conclusion”.

“At the same time, we are firmly engaged in dialogue with our neighbors to achieve peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Pezeshkian apologizes

The recent protests began as demonstrations against the high cost of living and a plunging currency and have since expanded to include other grievances against the government, with Pezeshkian apologizing for its shortcomings and saying “every effort” was being made to address them.

“We are prepared to listen to the people. We are servants of the people. We do not seek to confront the people,” he said.

He blamed “malicious propaganda” spread by Iran’s enemies for exacerbating the unrest, which he called riots.

“Our enemies are working to create deep wounds and widen divisions in society, and we must heal those wounds,” he said.

Iran ‘willing to make deal’

Ali Akbar Dareni, a researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera in an interview in Tehran that Pezeshkian’s speech showed that Iran was “willing to reach a fair and balanced agreement with the United States.”

“While he did not reveal any details, he said Iran was open to it, meaning Iran would simultaneously resist unrealistic U.S. demands that seek to disarm Iran or strip it of its sovereignty,” he said.

He said Pezeshkian’s speech recognized that public dissatisfaction with the government was legitimate and emphasized that the government would do its best to resolve these problems.

Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, said the anniversary event comes at a critical time when Iran faces external threats and major internal divisions.

“There is a huge demand for change,” he said, adding that at the same time, “those in power want to show that it has the support of the people”.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Iranians on Tuesday to take part in the celebrations, which were attended by senior political, military and religious figures.

American and Israeli flags burned

The commemorations featured prominent symbols of anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment, with people burning and trampling the flags of those countries.

Iranian media showed symbolic images of coffins draped in American flags and engraved with the names and likenesses of American military commanders, as well as the remains of Iranian missiles and Israeli drones shot down in the first of the war last year.2 days of war be displayed.

In the streets, people waved portraits of Khamenei and Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, alongside Iranian and Palestinian flags. Some chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”

Dareni of the Tehran Center for Strategic Studies said that the commemoration is an important manifestation of Iran’s unity at a critical moment.

“Israelis and Americans have always sought to undermine Iran’s national unity, but today’s rallies across the country are a sign of unity,” he said.

Diplomatic push continues

Iran’s commemoration comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding nuclear talks with the United States, with Washington continuing to threaten military action.

On Wednesday, Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani left Oman, where he had been Meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and the country’s foreign minister to discuss the outcome of last week’s talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in the Sultanate of Qatar.

Qatar is home to a major U.S. military installation that Iran attacked in June after Washington attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities. Qatar has been a key negotiator with Iran in the past.

Emir Diwan said on Wednesday that Larijani was expected to meet Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during his visit, shortly after the emir discussed regional de-escalation and stabilization efforts in a phone call with Trump.

Diwan said the emir and Trump discussed “supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday, where the Israeli leader is expected to express his government’s concerns about any potential deal with Iran.

Netanyahu Already said he will Current Trump He also plans to negotiate “principles” with Iran during his visit and plans to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio.