Iran's President Acknowledges Public Unrest: "If People Are Unhappy, It Is Our Fault"

In a rare admission, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly addressed the ongoing protests in the country. His statement came as demonstrations entered their fifth day. The protests were sparked by a recent government policy. "The people's protest is their right," Pezeshkian said. He added, "If people are unhappy, it is our fault." The president's remarks are notable. Senior Iranian officials do not often acknowledge public discontent so directly. The cause of the protests and their specific locations were not detailed in his brief announcement.