President calls for scientific advances to make country stronger against bullying
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called for further scientific advances to make the country stronger against bullying and coercion, stressing on the role of modern technology in improving the country’s scientific standing.
“If we are not to bow to the bullying and coercion of our enemies, we must not put ourselves in a position of weakness,” President Pezeshkian said at a ceremony marking the start of the agricultural year, which was held in Alborz Province.
The president underlined the role of modern technology in improving the country’s scientific standing and production capacity.
Pezeshkian pointed to Iran’s technical expertise, particularly in assembly and artificial intelligence, as an existing resource that should be put to more effective use.
“Our experts are among the best assemblers in the world; we have some of the best in artificial intelligence. Why should we not use the best technology?” he asked.
Pezeshkian further called for effective use of artificial intelligence and other advanced tools to improve production methods, increase efficiency, and strengthen Iran’s technological capacity.
His remarks come as the United States has imposed further sanctions and restrictions on Iran following its recent aggression to force Tehran accept its demands.
The war started with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, while Washington and Tehran were locked in negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
The warring parties agreed a memorandum of understanding in June that spelled out a framework for a permanent resolution to the conflict, but the US violations of the agreement prompted a resumption of military operations.
Negotiations have effectively been at an impasse since then, and recent indirect talks between the US and Iran on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly failed to produce a breakthrough.
The US also recently shifted toward a campaign of what it calls “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, imposing sanctions on various sectors in Iran.
Despite a hiatus in negotiations, exchange of messages and proposals through regional mediators are underway to end the war.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran is reviewing a Washington’s response to its recent proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was delivered to US officials during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has told US President Donald Trump about Iran's position on a possible peace deal.
The Kremlin said Tehran's stance was relayed in a phone call held between the two leaders on Friday.
Putin met Pezeshkian on the sidelines of a summit in Turkmenistan earlier this week, where the Russian leader expressed an interest in helping broker peace.