Sunni Leader Urges Iranian Regime To Show Restraint Amid Economic Woes

The outspoken Sunni cleric of Zahedan has urged officials to exercise restraint and compassion amid the current economic crisis during Friday prayers.

Amid immense financial pressure faced by Iranians all over the country, Molavi Abdolhamid delivered a compelling Friday prayer sermon, emphasizing the need for support from the authorities and compassion for the situation of regular citizens.

Addressing the congregation, Abdolhamid criticized the common practice of attributing inefficiencies and problems to external "enemies." He was referring to the term "enemy," often used by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his loyalists to refer to the United States, he deemed it incorrect to solely blame external factors for internal issues, particularly in relation to domestic economic challenges.

During the Friday prayer, which coincided with the 10th of Muharram and the Day of Ashura, Abdolhamid, the Imam of Zahedan said, "No government, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, should resort to violence against its own people merely to ensure its survival."

He further stressed that the regime, its rulers, and the entire system owe their existence to the people, adding that the right to govern and elect officials lies with the citizens, and therefore, it is essential to listen to their voices and their concerns.

As the sermon concluded on the 43rd Friday of protests in Zahedan, Abdolhamid urged demonstrators to leave the mosque without engaging in chanting or further protests. During the previous two Friday prayers, worshipper and protestors honored Abdolhamid’s request and observe silence as a sign of respect for the sacred days of Muharram.