WANA (Jan 31) – The Iranian President, Pezeshkian, said that in recent developments, Trump, Netanyahu and European actors were all seeking to provoke unrest and create divisions, adding that some innocent people were drawn into these events and taken to the streets. He said the aim was to fragment the country and to fuel conflict, hatred, and discord among the people.

 

Guns Are Not Used in Ordinary Social Protests

The President said that in ordinary social protests, people do not take up guns, kill military forces, or set fire to ambulances and markets. He stressed that the government has a duty to hear the voices and concerns of protesters and to resolve their issues, and that it is prepared to do so.

 

However, he said it is clear that the situation went beyond ordinary social protest, adding that enemies exploited existing problems, incited unrest, and sought to divide society.

 

People Are the Pillar of the Country

Pezeshkian stated that the people are the main pillar and foundation of the country in the face of enemies, stressing that the hearts of all officials must be with the people and that their behavior toward citizens must change accordingly.

 

Justice Must Be Reflected in Action, Not Slogans

He emphasized that correcting officials’ behavior and performance toward the public is essential to establishing justice in society. “If we act fairly, people will see it and accept it, and in such circumstances, no power can defeat a government, society, or nation that acts justly, fairly, and based on right,” he said.

 

No Discrimination in a Just System

He added that in a just approach, ethnicity, gender, race, language, and beliefs should not influence decisions and actions, and that the main criteria must be right and justice. He noted that hostility toward any group should not divert those who claim to be Muslims from acting justly or push them toward unfair behavior.

 

Leadership Neutralizes Plots, Officials Must Reform Conduct

Pezeshkian emphasized that the presence of the Supreme Leader and his guidance have neutralized these conspiracies and will continue to do so. He added, however, that this does not absolve officials of their responsibility to reconsider and reform their own behavior and methods of engagement with the public.

 

He said that while one side consists of enemies and the other of domestic responsibilities, necessary reforms must be made in performance, outlook and mutual relations.

 

Unity and Justice Will Face Resistance from Privileged Groups

In closing, the President described unity and cohesion in the pursuit of right and justice as the most important priority. He noted that efforts to implement justice will naturally face opposition from those who have benefited from special privileges, rent-seeking and bribery, adding that such groups will resist and stand against these reforms.

A mosque that was burned during Iran’s protests, in Tehran, Iran, January 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)