US Reaffirms Support for Women Amid Iranian Hijab Crackdown Threats

The US State Department reiterates its commitment to Iranian women's rights amidst President Ebrahim Raisi's comments on intensified hijab enforcement.

Matthew Miller, the State Department Spokesman, on Wednesday emphasized the importance of allowing women to make personal choices about their attire.

"It is our belief, as we’ve said before, that women in Iran and everywhere should be free to wear what they want," said Miller. "Iranian women should not have to worry about Iranian authorities using surveillance technology or any other methods to impose control over them. The United States has and will continue to take action to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Iran, including women – the women and girls of Iran, and to work with allies and partners to pursue accountability for the perpetrators of human rights abuses."

Raisi's recent statement, issued on Wednesday, threatened an end to protests against the hijab, attributing them to foreign influences. He pledged to employ a response to quell the protests and "raise awareness" among those not adhering to the hijab.

"Certain individuals, not adhering to hijab, may lack awareness. Our duty is to raise their awareness,” Raisi asserted, adding that "foreign influences are orchestrating an organized campaign to abolish the hijab."

Raisi's announcement comes against the backdrop of ongoing defiance by Iranian women and girls against the compulsory headscarf. Notably, Raisi's comments arrive weeks before the anniversary of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police.