Could music at a power plant prevent war? One Iranian musician hopes so
Ali Ghamsari starts sit-in peaceful protest outside Tehran power plant ahead of Trump's deadline
An Iranian musician is hoping the sound of his music will “have an impact on peace” as he embarked on a sit-in protest outside one of Iran’s power plants ahead of US President Donald Trump’s deadline for a ceasefire deal.
Renowed composer Ali Ghamsari, known for his work with the traditional Persian long-necked musical instrument Taar, had embarked on a peaceful protest outside Damavand power plant.
“Cannot say, wish you were here with me also,” he said in a video message.
“Since this is the site that has been threatened with attack which I hope won’t happen. I hope the sound of my taar can have an impact on peace, can help the lights in homes from going out.”
Trump has threatened to “take out” the “entire” country and warned that the “whole civilisation will die” if Iran does not heed his midnight cut-off to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
A 45-day ceasefire proposal presented by international mediators was rejected by both Iran and the US.
Ghamsari said he will remain stationed outside the Damavan power plant, which supplies about half of Tehran’s electricity, as an independent artist “free from any political movement.
He said he will play in solitude and create music there in an effort to help prevent attacks on Iran’s critical infrastructure.
“War’s goal is never rescue, and I wish more people understood this,” he said.
“The people of Iran, relying on their thousands of years of history, will surely overcome this tough crisis with wisdom.”