"Woman Is Like A Flower": Iran Supreme Leader's Old Posts Go Viral
Several old social media posts by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have resurfaced and are going viral online, drawing sharp criticism and sparking fresh debates about gender roles and women’s rights in the Islamic Republic.
In one of the widely circulated posts, Khamenei compares women to flowers, stating:
"Woman is like a delicate flower. She needs protection, care, and must be shielded from the harshness of the world."
The post, originally shared years ago on his official website and social platforms, is being widely discussed today, especially in light of ongoing global conversations about gender equality and the recent protests in Iran related to women's rights.
Critics argue that such statements reflect a deeply patriarchal and outdated view of women that reinforces gender inequality in the country. Many netizens, including Iranian women activists in exile, have reposted the quote with sarcastic or angry reactions, challenging the metaphor of women as fragile beings needing "protection."
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter),
“We are not flowers, we are fire. And we’re done being treated like we belong in a vase.”
Supporters of the regime, however, defended the statement, claiming it highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of protecting women in Iranian society.
This renewed attention comes at a time when Iran is under intense international scrutiny for its treatment of women, especially after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, which triggered nationwide protests in 2022 and reignited calls for reform.
As the posts continue to spread, many are using this moment to spotlight ongoing gender-based restrictions in Iran, including the mandatory hijab law, limits on female employment, and systemic inequality in legal rights.
💬 FAQs
Q1. What did the Iran Supreme Leader say about women in his old posts?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei referred to women as “like a delicate flower” in old posts, suggesting they need care and protection. These remarks have resurfaced and sparked outrage online.
Q2. Why are these posts going viral now?
The posts have gained renewed attention amid heightened global awareness around gender equality and continued criticism of Iran’s treatment of women, especially since the Mahsa Amini protests.
Q3. How are people reacting to these posts?
Many users and activists have condemned the posts as sexist and reflective of a patriarchal mindset. Others, particularly regime supporters, argue that the statements honor and protect women.
Q4. What is the broader context of women’s rights in Iran?
Women in Iran face strict laws regarding dress codes, limited freedoms, and legal inequalities. The death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and subsequent protests reignited global focus on Iran’s gender policies.
Q5. Has Iran responded to the backlash over the viral posts?
As of now, there has been no official response from Iranian authorities regarding the viral resurgence of the Supreme Leader’s past remarks.
published on 21stjune
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