Pezeshkian's Tehran Rally Canceled Amid Pressure

An election rally for presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian at Tehran's Heydarnia stadium was abruptly canceled on Wednesday.

Ali Tajernia, head of Pezeshkian's election campaign in Tehran, issued a video apology to his supporters for the unexpected cancellation two days before the election.

According to a citizen reporter for IranWire, despite the cancellation notice, a crowd gathered at the stadium, primarily composed of women in their 40s, many of whom were apparently associated with the "Green Movement" of 2009. 

Younger attendees were notably absent, with few in their teens or twenties present.

The rally, which had promised an appearance by former Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif, faced multiple obstacles throughout the day. 

Tajernia revealed to the crowd that authorities had required a commitment in the morning to avoid "deconstructive slogans." 

Despite complying, permission for the event was withheld.

Tajernia detailed his efforts to secure the necessary permit, including a personal visit to the governor's office. 

"Until an hour ago, I was at the governor's office and I drove myself here. I delivered it, but the permit was not issued today," he explained to the crowd.

Adding to the confusion, Tajernia said the campaign had received three warnings from security agencies to announce the cancellation. 

He also mentioned that despite the Interior Minister reportedly instructing police to open the stadium doors, the event remained unauthorized.

Attendees noted the presence of security forces and special units around the stadium, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the planned rally.