<p><span class="region">Tehran, Iran </span>
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<p>Iran’s National Security Council has paused the implementation of the controversial “hijab and chastity law,” which was scheduled to come into effect last Friday (Dec 13). The decision follows growing backlash from rights activists and public criticism.</p>
<p>President of Iran, Massoud Pezeshkian described the law as “ambiguous and in need of reform,” hinting at his intention to re-evaluate its strict measures. The proposed law introduces harsher punishments for women and girls who expose their hair, forearms, or lower legs.</p>
<p>Repeat offenders and anyone mocking the rules could face heavy fines and extended prison sentences of up to 15 years. The law also requires businesses to report individuals who violate the dress code.</p>
<h2>Outrage from rights groups</h2>
<p>Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemned the law, warning that it would entrench the regime's oppressive tactics. Former vice-president Masoumeh Ebtekar also criticised it, calling the legislation an "indictment of half the Iranian population."</p>
<p>The debate reignited last week after Parastoo Ahmadi, an Iranian singer, was arrested for performing a virtual concert on YouTube without wearing a hijab. Her arrest led to public outcry, resulting in her release the following day.</p>
<h2>Pezeshkian’s stance under scrutiny</h2>
<p>During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian promised not to interfere with women’s personal choices, a stance that resonated strongly with younger Iranians frustrated with strict controls. Protests over the hijab law have intensified since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being detained for violating the dress code.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-new-hijab-law-imposes-death-penalty-fines-and-imprisonment-for-non-compliance-783296"> Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance</a></strong></p>
<h2><meta charset="utf-8"/><b id="docs-internal-guid-99bb36cf-7fff-bcdb-4be0-5b96d12e09da">Fears of renewed protests</b></h2>
<p>The pause in implementing the law reflects the government's fear that it could trigger further mass protests, similar to those of 2022. Pezeshkian’s supporters believe the law will worsen tensions, as many young Iranians continue to defy the regime’s restrictions.</p>
<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


President of Iran, Massoud Pezeshkian described the law as “ambiguous and in need of reform,” hinting at his intention to re-evaluate its strict measures.



Tehran, Iran Iran’s National Security Council has paused the implementation of the controversial “hijab and chastity law,” which was scheduled to come into effect last Friday (Dec 13). The decision follows growing backlash from rights activists and public criticism. President of Iran, Massoud Pezeshkian described the law as “ambiguous and in need of reform,” hinting at his intention to re-evaluate its strict measures. The proposed law introduces harsher punishments for women and girls who expose their hair, forearms, or lower legs. Repeat offenders and anyone mocking the rules could face heavy fines and extended prison sentences of up to 15 years. The law also requires businesses to report individuals who violate the dress code. Outrage from rights groups Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemned the law, warning that it would entrench the regime's oppressive tactics. Former vice-president Masoumeh Ebtekar also criticised it, calling the legislation an "indictment of half the Iranian population." The debate reignited last week after Parastoo Ahmadi, an Iranian singer, was arrested for performing a virtual concert on YouTube without wearing a hijab. Her arrest led to public outcry, resulting in her release the following day. Pezeshkian’s stance under scrutiny During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian promised not to interfere with women’s personal choices, a stance that resonated strongly with younger Iranians frustrated with strict controls. Protests over the hijab law have intensified since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being detained for violating the dress code. Also read: Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance Fears of renewed protests The pause in implementing the law reflects the government's fear that it could trigger further mass protests, similar to those of 2022. Pezeshkian’s supporters believe the law will worsen tensions, as many young Iranians continue to defy the regime’s restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran delays hijab law, president calls it 'ambiguous and in need of reform'

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<p>Iran’s National Security Council has paused the implementation of the controversial “hijab and chastity law,” which was scheduled to come into effect last&nbsp;Friday (Dec 13). The decision follows growing backlash from rights activists and public criticism.</p>

<p>President of Iran, Massoud Pezeshkian described the law as “ambiguous and in need of reform,” hinting at his intention to re-evaluate its strict measures. The proposed law introduces harsher punishments for women and girls who expose their hair, forearms, or lower legs.</p>

<p>Repeat offenders and anyone mocking the rules could face heavy fines and extended prison sentences of up to 15 years. The law also requires businesses to report individuals who violate the dress code.</p>

<h2>Outrage from rights groups</h2>

<p>Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemned the law, warning that it would entrench the regime's oppressive tactics. Former vice-president Masoumeh Ebtekar also criticised it, calling the legislation an "indictment of half the Iranian population."</p>

<p>The debate reignited last week after Parastoo Ahmadi, an Iranian singer, was arrested for performing a virtual concert on YouTube without wearing a hijab. Her arrest led to public outcry, resulting in her release the following day.</p>

<h2>Pezeshkian’s stance under scrutiny</h2>

<p>During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian promised not to interfere with women’s personal choices, a stance that resonated strongly with younger Iranians frustrated with strict controls. Protests over the hijab law have intensified since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being detained for violating the dress code.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-new-hijab-law-imposes-death-penalty-fines-and-imprisonment-for-non-compliance-783296">&nbsp;Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance</a></strong></p>

<h2><meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-99bb36cf-7fff-bcdb-4be0-5b96d12e09da">Fears of renewed protests</b></h2>

<p>The pause in implementing the law reflects the government's fear that it could trigger further mass protests, similar to those of 2022. Pezeshkian’s supporters believe the law will worsen tensions, as many young Iranians continue to defy the regime’s restrictions.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


Iran’s National Security Council has paused the implementation of the controversial “hijab and chastity law,” which was scheduled to come into effect last Friday (Dec 13).

Iran’s National Security Council has paused the implementation of the controversial “hijab and chastity law,” which was scheduled to come into effect last Friday (Dec 13). The decision follows growing backlash from rights activists and public criticism. President of Iran, Massoud Pezeshkian described the law as “ambiguous and in need of reform,” hinting at his intention to re-evaluate its strict measures. The proposed law introduces harsher punishments for women and girls who expose their hair, forearms, or lower legs. Repeat offenders and anyone mocking the rules could face heavy fines and extended prison sentences of up to 15 years. The law also requires businesses to report individuals who violate the dress code. Outrage from rights groups Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemned the law, warning that it would entrench the regime's oppressive tactics. Former vice-president Masoumeh Ebtekar also criticised it, calling the legislation an "indictment of half the Iranian population." The debate reignited last week after Parastoo Ahmadi, an Iranian singer, was arrested for performing a virtual concert on YouTube without wearing a hijab. Her arrest led to public outcry, resulting in her release the following day. Pezeshkian’s stance under scrutiny During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian promised not to interfere with women’s personal choices, a stance that resonated strongly with younger Iranians frustrated with strict controls. Protests over the hijab law have intensified since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being detained for violating the dress code. Also read: Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance Fears of renewed protests The pause in implementing the law reflects the government's fear that it could trigger further mass protests, similar to those of 2022. Pezeshkian’s supporters believe the law will worsen tensions, as many young Iranians continue to defy the regime’s restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

The Iran Presidential run-off has been a contest between a Reformist and a Hardliner. The final result will be announced on Saturday. Molly Gambhir telling you more.

Gravitas: Iran Presidential run-off: The contest between a Reformist and a Hardliner

Iran will proceed to a run-off election after neither hardline candidate Saeed Jalili nor reformist contender Massoud Pezeshkian secured a majority in the presidential race. Watch in for more details!

Iran Presidential Election: Presidential run-off on July 5 | Can Iran's Conservatives take lead?

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<p>Iran recorded a historically low turnout in the snap presidential election, as only 40 per cent of more than 61 million eligible citizens voted. This was a new low in the election since the country’s 1979 revolution. Now, the snap election is heading into a run-off on July 5 between&nbsp;Massoud Pezeshkian and hardliner&nbsp;Saeed Jalili.</p>

<p>Neither of the two&nbsp;candidates secured more than 50 per cent&nbsp;of votes needed to win Friday's election.&nbsp;On Saturday (June 29), Iranian citizens said that more people might&nbsp;vote in the presidential run-off.</p>

<h2><strong>Opinions of citizens</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a retired teacher who chose to remain anonymous said,&nbsp;"I feel like that this (the presidential run-off) could push people who did not come (to vote in the first round) to come this time. The number was low this time (for the first round)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-interior-minister-speaks-to-wion-on-voter-turnout-expectation-and-preparation-in-second-round-736289">Iran's interior minister speaks to WION on voter turnout expectations and preparations in second round</a></strong></p>

<p>Another citizen, who also wished to keep their identity anonymous said, "Forty per cent is low because the number of people who could vote is about 60 million, so looking at the numbers, 40 per cent&nbsp;participation is a medium rate."</p>

<p>A third citizen expressed concerns that participation would not be any higher in the run-off.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pezeshkian ahead of Jalili by over 10 million votes </strong></h2>

<p>Friday's election to replace&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi after his death in a helicopter crash came down to a tight race between&nbsp;low-profile lawmaker Massoud Pezeshkian, the sole moderate in a field of four candidates, and former Revolutionary Guards member Saeed Jalili.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran to hold run-off election between reformist Pezeshkian and hardliner Jalili</strong></p>

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<p>According to the interior ministry,&nbsp;Pezeshkian was leading with over 10 million votes ahead of Jalili with over 9.4 million votes. But neither of the two&nbsp;secured more than 50 per cent&nbsp;of votes.</p>

<p>Power in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;ultimately lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, so the result will not herald any major policy shift on&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme or its support for militia groups across the Middle East.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran recorded a historically low turnout in the snap presidential election, as only 40 per cent of more than 61 million eligible citizens voted. This was a new low in the election since the country’s 1979 revolution.

Iran recorded a historically low turnout in the snap presidential election, as only 40 per cent of more than 61 million eligible citizens voted. This was a new low in the election since the country’s 1979 revolution. Now, the snap election is heading into a run-off on July 5 between Massoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili. Neither of the two candidates secured more than 50 per cent of votes needed to win Friday's election. On Saturday (June 29), Iranian citizens said that more people might vote in the presidential run-off. Opinions of citizens Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a retired teacher who chose to remain anonymous said, "I feel like that this (the presidential run-off) could push people who did not come (to vote in the first round) to come this time. The number was low this time (for the first round)." Also read | Iran's interior minister speaks to WION on voter turnout expectations and preparations in second round Another citizen, who also wished to keep their identity anonymous said, "Forty per cent is low because the number of people who could vote is about 60 million, so looking at the numbers, 40 per cent participation is a medium rate." A third citizen expressed concerns that participation would not be any higher in the run-off. Pezeshkian ahead of Jalili by over 10 million votes Friday's election to replace Ebrahim Raisi after his death in a helicopter crash came down to a tight race between low-profile lawmaker Massoud Pezeshkian, the sole moderate in a field of four candidates, and former Revolutionary Guards member Saeed Jalili. Also watch | Iran to hold run-off election between reformist Pezeshkian and hardliner Jalili × According to the interior ministry, Pezeshkian was leading with over 10 million votes ahead of Jalili with over 9.4 million votes. But neither of the two secured more than 50 per cent of votes. Power in Iran ultimately lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, so the result will not herald any major policy shift on Iran's nuclear programme or its support for militia groups across the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran presidential election: Some citizens say more people may vote in July 5 presidential run-off