WANA (Aug 05) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country has managed to withstand external pressure, sanctions and recent military tensions by relying on social cohesion and public support, as he outlined his government’s performance during its first two years in office.

 

In a televised conversation with the public, Pezeshkian said his administration had faced a series of challenges from the beginning, including economic pressures, energy shortages, severe drought, intensified sanctions and a 12-day war, but managed to keep the country functioning through cooperation among state institutions and support from the people.

 

He said the main objective behind foreign pressure was to create social divisions and weaken Iran, but those efforts failed because of the resilience and cooperation of different segments of society.

 

The Iranian president stressed that the term “people” refers to all citizens regardless of their political views, beliefs, ethnicity or gender, adding that the government must treat all citizens fairly.

 

Call for Merit-Based Appointments

Discussing his government’s policy of “consensus,” Pezeshkian said the approach does not mean dividing government positions among political groups, but rather selecting capable and qualified individuals based on merit.

 

“We must give positions to qualified people, not to those who are simply from our own political faction,” he said.

 

Pezeshkian added that competence, expertise and performance should be the main criteria for selecting officials, saying that capable individuals should have opportunities to serve even if they hold different political views.

 

Criticism of Military Strikes and Human Rights Claims

Pezeshkian also criticized recent attacks against Iran, saying they had changed his view of international claims by some countries regarding human rights and humanitarian principles.

 

Referring to the deaths of senior officials, military commanders, scientists and civilians, he said attacks on scientific, academic and technological facilities demonstrated opposition to Iran’s development and capabilities.

 

He said targeting research centers, universities, aerospace facilities and artificial intelligence institutions showed that Iran’s opponents were seeking to prevent the country’s scientific progress and technological advancement.

 

Death of Previous Supreme Leader Was a Major Loss for Government

Pezeshkian described the death of Iran’s previous Supreme Leader as a major loss for the country, particularly for his administration.

 

He said the late Supreme Leader had provided significant support to the government and that officials regularly discussed major issues and decisions with him.

 

“We lost a great asset and a major source of support, especially for the government, as he stood firmly behind it and supported us,” Pezeshkian said.

 

He added that this support had played an important role in helping the country navigate difficult periods, including times of social tension.

 

Support for Return of Iranians Abroad

The Iranian president also said his government was working to facilitate the return of Iranians living abroad, stressing that citizens should be able to return to their country without unnecessary obstacles.

 

He said that if an individual faces legal restrictions, they should be informed clearly before entering Iran rather than being allowed to return and then facing difficulties.

 

Pezeshkian said he had discussed the issue with the previous leader and that the government was seeking to continue pursuing the matter.

 

Account of Attack During War and Leadership Support

Pezeshkian also spoke about an attack on a meeting location during the recent war, saying that despite injuries and damage, he later met with the previous leader.

 

He said the leader offered guidance, expressed support and prayed for government officials during that meeting.

 

The president emphasized that the backing provided to his administration had played a key role in helping the country overcome critical circumstances.

 

Reaction to Disputes Over Ceasefire Agreement

Addressing controversy over the previous leader’s message regarding a ceasefire agreement, Pezeshkian said the leader initially had reservations but accepted the decision after reviewing expert assessments and the outcome of consultations.

 

He said some groups attempted to turn the issue into a source of internal division, while the final decision had been based on expert discussions and procedures.

 

Description of New Leader’s Character

In the final part of the interview, Pezeshkian discussed Iran’s new leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, describing him as a logical, patient and open-minded figure.

 

He said his personal interactions with the new leader differed from the image portrayed by some critics, adding that direct and transparent dialogue could help address the country’s challenges.