Dozens protest in Mashhad over minister's US deal comments

Dozens of protesters gathered outside a foreign ministry office in Mashhad, Iran, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, to voice opposition to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his comments regarding a potential peace deal with the United States. The demonstration highlights deep internal divisions within Iran as diplomatic efforts, reportedly mediated by Pakistan and promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, continue.

Protesters chanted slogans against Araghchi, accusing him of making excessive concessions in negotiations. Videos from the event showed demonstrators, including women in black chadors, carrying red and black flags and chanting phrases such as "death to dishonourable Araghchi, the infiltrator." Unverified social media footage suggested similar protests may have occurred in Tehran, where some reportedly called for the resignation of Araghchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

The backlash followed a televised interview Araghchi gave on Friday, June 12, in which he discussed the proposed deal. He stated the agreement would include provisions for lifting a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, which was imposed in response to Iran's restrictions in the Strait of...