Pezeshkian: Only scholars, elites can help overcome Iran’s problems
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday pointed to the importance of science in national progress as he underlined the role of scholars and academic elites in helping to overcome the country’s problems and crises. Thanks to the efforts made by the country’s youth and experts, Iran has achieved many successes in the field of defense technologies, Pezeshkian said while addressing a ceremony held in Tehran to mark National Space Technology Day.
“We want science, knowledge, and technology in various fields, including defense and military, not for aggression, but for the defense, dignity, and pride of the people of our country.”
Pointing to Iraq’s imposed war on Iran in 1980s, Pezeshkian said the entire world supported former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to destroy Iran’s Islamic Revolution, but when the first Iranian missiles hit Iraqi soil, they refrained from aggression.
The president underlined that, “We should transfer our knowledge and capability to the next generations in order to defend our beloved country’s water and soil.”
Stressing that, “We are proud of the elites, youth, and scientists of this country,” Pezeshkian said only scientists, experts, and those whose hearts beat for Iran can get the country out of the current situation.
New satellites unveiled
The president also attended a ceremony at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), where three satellites were unveiled.
Pars-1 and Pars-2 remote-sensing satellites and Navak communications satellite were the three satellites that were unveiled at the ceremony.
The upgraded version of the Pars-1 satellite reportedly has made significant improvements in comparison with its predecessor.
Pars-2 remote-sensing satellite enjoys much higher imaging accuracy, with a visual spectrum of 8 meters in color and 4 meters in black and white modes respectively.
Moreover, the Navak satellite is manufactured to test communications in an elongated elliptical orbit and would be placed in such an orbit for the first time.
Also on Sunday, Pezeshkian visited an exhibition showcasing the Iranian Defense Ministry’s latest achievements.
He oversaw the unveiling of a new ballistic missile named “Etamad” with a range of 1,700 kilometers.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Pezeshkian said Iran’s defense capabilities and space technologies are meant for deterrence and preventing other countries from thinking about an invasion against the Islamic Republic. “Iran’s advancement in defense capabilities and space technologies serves to deter aggression and guarantee that no country dares encroach on Iranian soil or even thinks about it,” he added.
Pezeshkian also noted that despite attempts by the enemies to prevent Iran from standing on its own feet, the country – relying on its youth and experts — proudly produces and even exports military equipment and makes scientific progress.