Lise Doucette

But he had conciliatory words for Iranians who had gone on strike or taken to the streets, calling for an end to an economic crisis causing huge suffering.

A public holiday was also a moment for families to forget their daily woes for a while.

But a revolution nearly a half century old now faces its biggest test.

Multiple crises at home and the risk of military confrontation with America if a surge in diplomacy fails.

Available now on The Documentary from the BBC World Service.

President Trump has made it clear time and again in moments like this that he likes to keep people guessing.

Remember last year when he made the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, he had said, well, I need two weeks to think about it.

And then he attacked within a few days, surprising everyone.

So saying, oh, it looks like the executions have stopped.

Is he trying to buy time?

Is it an element of surprise?

Is he getting new information that is causing him to think twice?

He seems to be still making up his mind about what is happening on the ground in Iran.

Remember, he said, I like winning.

The end game is to win and to win in Iran.

What is his calculation now?

There's all these cautionary steps giving the impression that he's about to do something.

Embassies telling their nationals to leave Iran immediately.

U.S.

and U.K.