WANA (May 18) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly rejected recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding alleged corruption among Iranian officials, saying such claims reflect traits inherent in the accusers themselves, not Iranian leaders. Referring to Trump’s remarks about favoritism and bribery, Pezeshkian stated:

 

“These are qualities they themselves possess and now try to attribute to our Islamic society and the Iran we know — a country whose officials live modest, humble lives among the people. We don’t need to boast about this; it is evident through action. Many are surprised when they witness how our leaders live — be it the president, a provincial governor, or a Friday prayer leader. Their lifestyles speak louder than any words and are more persuasive than propaganda.”

 

Highlighting the Islamic Republic’s guiding principles, Pezeshkian emphasized that justice and fairness are central to governance in Iran. “For us, as Muslims and in the Islamic Republic, our officials strive to establish justice. That is our mission. Our stance is always in defense of the oppressed.”

 

He criticized the double standards of Western countries, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: “We see so-called human rights advocates — people in suits and ties at seminars — speak of morality while committing the most barbaric acts imaginable. What’s more savage than bombing innocent women and children, young and old alike, and then justifying it as self-defense? What kind of rights are these? According to what moral framework?”

 

Pezeshkian asserted that all Islamic nations must recognize that the atrocities committed against Palestinians are, first and foremost, attacks on the wider Islamic community. “Even if the victims weren’t Muslim, it is still our duty to raise our voices against oppression anywhere in the world.”

 

He warned that silence in the face of injustice contradicts the core of both Islamic and human values: “If someone speaks out against Muslims and we hear it but remain silent, then we are no longer Muslims. What they’re doing to the people of Gaza and Lebanon — if someone can sit quietly and watch, we must question not only their faith but their very humanity.”

 

Pezeshkian concluded by reaffirming the commitment of Iranian officials to justice and fairness, noting: “If justice prevails, there is no room for conflict or aggression. Violence only arises when someone seeks more than their due, chases worldly gain, and tries to take what belongs to others.”