Iranian Officials Leverage X: Diplomacy, Accountability, and a Transformative Vision for Tehran’s Former U.S. Embassy
In an era where social media platforms have become indispensable for political communication, Iranian officials and prominent figures frequently utilize X (formerly Twitter) to articulate their perspectives, positions, and policy discussions. A recent compilation of their daily tweets offers a snapshot into the ongoing dialogues shaping Iran’s domestic and international policy landscape. These discussions range from strategic national considerations to proposals for urban development and critiques of international discourse.
Zarghami’s Vision: Repurposing a Historic Site
Seyed Ezzatollah Zarghami, a prominent figure, proposed a significant symbolic and urban development project on X. He suggested to the President that the former U.S. embassy in Tehran, historically referred to in Iran as the “den of espionage,” be transformed into an “Iranian National Park.” Zarghami highlighted the site’s unique size, strategic location, and accessibility, underscoring Tehran’s vital need for green spaces. He expressed confidence that both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Tehran Municipality would support this initiative, foreseeing substantial public satisfaction from such a move.
Strategic Engagement in a Shifting Regional Landscape
Hesamodin Ashna, a political advisor, used a metaphor on X to describe the current dynamic of mutual strategic engagement. He likened the period of reciprocal interactions to a complex game, suggesting that initial moves by key players have already been made. Ashna noted that the “empty phase” is concluding, indicating that it is now time for decisive actions or revelations from involved parties to clarify positions.
Presidential Initiatives for Transparency and Public Trust
Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei conveyed a significant announcement from the President’s Office on his X account. The announcement detailed the design of a new system aimed at addressing public concerns and ensuring accountability. This platform, soon to be publicly accessible, will facilitate the review and verification of new information without bureaucratic hurdles, while upholding privacy. The initiative is designed to provide authoritative answers to all public inquiries and ambiguities, reflecting a commitment to transparency.
Critiquing International Double Standards
Mehran Ranjbaran utilized his X platform to comment on recent international revelations, drawing a comparison between the scrutiny faced by Iran and the handling of internal matters in some Western nations. He observed that governments which frequently initiate discussions on ethics and human rights concerning Iran often demonstrate a reluctance to fully disclose information about their own leaders’ associations. Ranjbaran highlighted a perceived double standard, stating that actions deemed problematic when related to Iran are labeled ‘global order’ by some, while similar issues within their own societies are categorized as ‘confidential documents.’
Promoting Moderation and De-escalation Through Diplomacy
Mohammad Fazeli, in his post on X, explored the sociological roots of political discourse, asserting that any political movement advocating violence tends to ‘dehumanize the other.’ He argued that this dehumanization serves to legitimize aggression, providing supporters with a sense of righteousness in confronting opponents. Fazeli referenced historical precedents, from philosophical underpinnings to media portrayals, illustrating how dehumanization has been employed. This perspective emphasizes the importance of a nuanced political discourse.
Further emphasizing the role of diplomacy, Ali Asghar Shafieian posted on X that “moderates are striving to avert conflict and resolve issues.” He stressed that it is now the opportune moment for diplomats to effectively utilize the framework established by the Leader and President Pezeshkian, underscoring a commitment to peaceful resolution and strategic dialogue.
Presidential Commitment to Information Disclosure
Mohammad Mobin addressed the topic of public information and transparency on X. He stated that the release of casualty lists does not mark the culmination of President Pezeshkian’s directive. Instead, he clarified that, in line with the President’s stance, all information and claims—both regarding the lists and other related matters—will undergo meticulous review and public dissemination. He concluded with the hashtag #Every_Iranian_is_an_Iran, reinforcing a message of national unity and comprehensive transparency.
