Iranians Divided on Ceasefire, Assert Military Strength and Nuclear Resolve

TEHRAN, Iran – Amidst a pro-government rally in Tehran on June 24, Iranians voiced strong opinions regarding the recent ceasefire between Israel, Iran, and the United States. CNN Senior International Correspondent Fred Pleitgen reported from the streets of the Iranian capital, capturing the diverse sentiments of the crowd. Iran's leadership has hailed the ceasefire as a significant victory, attributing it to the nation's robust military response, including missile strikes towards Israeli territory. "They say that they forced the US and Israel into the ceasefire," Pleitgen stated, adding that the leadership views this as a clear demonstration of military strength. Among the rally attendees, some expressed pride and praised the ceasefire, seeing it as a testament to Iran's power. However, others were more critical, believing that Iran's military should have continued its engagement. "The ceasefire has not been something good or profitable for us," one man commented, asserting, "We should have totally wiped out Israel." Another participant declared, "We will crush their might... We'll throw a punch into the mouths of the United States and the Zionists." Despite the ceasefire, Iranian officials remain firm on their nuclear ambitions. "Iran's leadership has been very clear about... Iran's nuclear program was not destroyed by those airstrikes conducted by the Trump administration," Pleitgen reported. "They say the knowledge of nuclear energy remains here in Iran, and that its nuclear program will certainly come back to life and even exists right now." Many Iranians at the rally also expressed a deep distrust of both the United States and Israel, emphasizing that their military remains prepared for further action. "They say at any point in time their finger is on the trigger," Pleitgen concluded, highlighting the ongoing tension and readiness for conflict.