Iran�s State media put out its standard declaration of �millions� of Iranians turning out on Wednesday for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and images of the march to Tehran�s Azadi Square backed the narrative of support for the regime.
Beyond the pro forma story, the notable development was President Rouhani�s confrontation of the political and economic difficulties facing Iran.

As he marched to Azadi Square, Rouhani referred to the troubled economy and ongoing nuclear talks with the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, Germany, China, Russia, and France), assuring, �Iranians are determined to prevail over all problems.�

In�his speech in the square, the President � who has faced a series of challenges from hardline opponents � appealed for unity: �Diversity of opinion, taste, and analysis is permitted, but in the interests of our nation we all speak with one voice � today just like 36 years ago- we still shout: independence, freedom, and the Islamic Republic.�

Rouhani then tried to recast the problems for Iran�s economy � hindered by issues of production and investment, rising unemployment, restricted oil exports and falling revenues, and a shaky currency � as a recovery: �With pride I announce to the Iranian nation that we have had a 4% growth in the first six months of this year [March-September 2014].�

The President did not mention that the �4% increase� is a somewhat artificial claim, given that it is measured against a fall of almost 5% in GDP in 2013. Instead he pressed on: �The country�s industry has grown 6.5%, mining grew 10.5%, and business grew 5.4% in the first six months�.In terms of improving the climate for business, Iran has climbed 22 spots in the world rankings.�

Rouhani also was careful in handling the figures about Iran�s oil exports, still 40% lower than in 2012 amid US-led sanctions.

He declared, �Despite sanctions and pressures; our oil output has increased to 2.9 million barrels a day from 2.7 million barrels a day a year ago.�

Iran�s oil production was about 4.2 million barrels before the US and Europe stepped up their sanctions in 2012.

Speaking about the ongoing nuclear talks, which are seeking a comprehensive settlement by July 1, the President maintained:
Those who state that Iran has come to the negotiations due to sanctions are uttering lies. Iran has sat at to the negotiating table not as a result of pressures but for the sake of logic and for the establishment of peace in the region and the world.
Repeating his call for a �win-win� resolution, Rouhani indicated the barrier to a deal was the US refusal to countenance the removal of major sanctions within six months of an agreement: �If Iran shows transparency in its peaceful nuclear program within the framework of the international regulations, the other side should also end the illegal sanctions and this will benefit both sides.�

Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani�put out the same line�in his speech in Isfahan:
The US and the 5+1 Powers can reach an agreement (with Iran) if they avoid two things; first, the final agreement should be based on the international rules; second, the Western states shouldn�t seek deception or imposition of special norms for Iran since the Iranian nation is familiar with these tricks and will reject them.

 
By EA WorldView