Iran Halts Stricter Hijab Law Amid Protests

Iran has postponed the enforcement of a new law mandating stricter hijab regulations for women, citing concerns that it could lead to renewed protests similar to those following Mahsa Amini's death in 2022. The controversial law, approved by parliament in September 2023, imposes severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential prison sentences. Shahram Dabiri, the vice president for parliamentary affairs, announced that the law will not be forwarded to the government for implementation at this time, stating it is 'not feasible' to enact the bill. This decision reflects the influence of Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has opposed the harsh penalties while seeking to revive negotiations with Western nations over nuclear sanctions. The law included fines of up to $800 for first offenses and harsher consequences for repeat violations, raising significant public and political concern. The temporary halt indicates a delicate balance between enforcing religious mandates and maintaining social stability in Iran.