A Promise and Nothing More

140 days have passed since Masoud Pezeshkian assumed the presidency. Mr. Pezeshkian, who entered the field with slogans such as transparency, reforming flawed structures, and lifting internet filtering, managed to gain the trust of part of the people.

However, today, after this period, one of his most basic promises, namely lifting internet filtering, remains just talk.

This delay has not only caused public frustration and dissatisfaction but also raises the question of whether a government that has not succeeded in fulfilling a relatively simple promise can tackle the country’s deeper and broader challenges.

Lifting internet filtering is not just a social demand but an economic necessity.

In an era where the digital economy is becoming one of the driving forces of economic growth for countries, imposing unnecessary restrictions on the internet has put thousands of online businesses in crisis and undermined public trust.

Lifting internet filtering could have been one of the government’s first steps to demonstrate its determination to create positive changes, but the 140-day delay in this matter does not send a good message to the people.

The Pezeshkian government faces challenges much larger than lifting internet filtering, ranging from energy sector imbalances to financial crises, rampant inflation, and diplomatic issues, each requiring strong management and bold decision-making.

But when a government faces such a delay in fulfilling a promise that does not directly require complex structural reforms, how can it gain the public’s trust to succeed in facing larger crises?

The main issue, however, is not only the delay in fulfilling promises but also the lack of transparency in explaining the reasons for these delays, which adds to the concerns. People have the right to know why a promise that was given with confidence has not been fulfilled after 140 days.

Are there political obstacles? Have internal disagreements prevented decision-making? Or perhaps the government is experiencing weakness and inefficiency in its planning? Whatever the case, the lack of transparency fuels public distrust.

On the other hand, lifting internet filtering could have been a symbolic step to show the government’s approach to larger issues, but now this delay has sparked concerns instead of hope.

Concerns about whether the government has the ability to tackle the country’s structural and chronic crises, whether it can manage deep imbalances in the energy and economic sectors, and whether it can guide Iran from the difficult path it is on towards stability and development.

140 days was enough time to take initial steps and build public trust.

People do not expect all of the country’s decades-old problems to be solved in this period, but they do expect at least the first steps to be taken towards improving conditions—actions that show the government is serious and has a strong will for change.

Mr. President, time is passing, and public trust is easily lost. If there are obstacles in fulfilling promises, be honest with the people.

Transparency and honesty are the greatest assets you can use to gain the people’s support.

But if your government continues in silence and delay, this golden opportunity will turn into a serious threat to your political future. People are waiting for tangible actions, not repeated and unfulfilled promises.