Pezeshkian: Enemies exploit national crises to upend unity
The Iranian president described the national unity as the first step to overcome the crises facing the country, saying that enemies are trying to exploit the country’s problems to sow discord between the people and authorities.
Masoud Pezeshkian made the remarks in a meeting with intellectuals, political, social, and cultural figures in the northern province of Golestan on Thursday. Referring to numerous problems in the country including electricity shortage, water crisis, environmental issues, and inflation, Pezeshkian said that problems can be resolved only through unity. Deepening disagreements pushes society toward weakness and collapse, the president warned. He said that foreign powers, including the United States and Israel, exploit Iran’s challenges without genuine concern for the country’s welfare. “It is undeniable that Israel and the US take advantage of our country’s situation. They have done nothing but create problems for us. Their hearts are not with Iran,” Pezeshkian underlined. Referring to the recent riots across the country, Pezeshkian added, “During the recent incidents, Trump and Netanyahu beat the drum of protests. Did they intend to solve our nation’s problems? Has anyone other than them caused issues for us? They have blocked all our paths, frozen our transactions, and obstructed our work, while telling some inside the country that they want to ‘save’ us.”
On January 8 and 9, protests sparked by economic grievances turned into unruly scenes of mayhem and destruction. Armed groups infiltrated the demonstrations, leading to damage to shops, government buildings and public facilities, as well as casualties among civilians and security forces. A total of 3,117 people lost their lives during the riots, including 2,427 innocent civilians and security personnel. “A great wound has been created. We must repair and heal it with unity and cohesion, not deepen it with division and discord, which only increases the country’s problems,” Pezeshkian said. He also highlighted the longstanding pressure Iran has faced, asserting that those who themselves commit genocide “speak of humanity and human rights, and accuse us of massacre and plunder.”
He noted that since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, “all kinds of pressures and conspiracies have been applied to prevent us from serving the people properly.”