Pezeshkian: Iran withstood war thanks to national unity, its wise leadership
Tehran - BORNA - The chief executive made the remarks in a televised interview marking the beginning of the third year of his administration on Friday.
Under the circumstances brought about by the aggression, “our country should have descended into chaos. But thanks to the people’s participation, the wise leadership of the martyred Leader [of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei], and the continued leadership of dear Leader [of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei], we stood firm and are improving our situation day by day.”
“If we have reached this point, it is because of the unity and cohesion that existed. If this unity and cohesion had not existed, they (the adversaries) would certainly have achieved their sinister objectives,” the president stated, calling for preservation of the unity.
The president then turned to the Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding that was reached between Iran and the United States in June with the aim of ending the cycle that had arisen out of the 40-day aggression.
The president denounced the US for prompting the understanding’s collapse by failing to respect it.
Iran expects reciprocal steps from the United States, including lifting of its illegal naval blockade and sanctions, removal of restrictions on oil and petrochemical exports, release of Iranian funds, and ensuring cessation of aggression on all fronts.
Pezeshkian rejected a “zero-sum approach,” saying progress could be achieved through reciprocal steps.
He said Iran would honor its commitments as long as the other side honored its own commitments. If the other side failed to comply, Iran would no longer remain bound by its commitments either, he added.
Pezeshkian also argued that continued dialogue, vigilance, and reciprocal obligations could produce results, while another war would undermine those opportunities.
The president, meanwhile, called for a stronger diplomatic effort involving Iran's neighbors and Muslim countries.
Referring to relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, he said regional security had to be pursued through direct dialogue and cooperation.
“We are brothers and are not rulers over one another,” he said.
He concluded by returning to the importance of domestic unity, saying Iran is able to withstand pressure from the United States and others if its people remain united.
“If we are together, we can powerfully escape the great pressure that America and other countries are imposing on us.”
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