Pezeshkian Says Iran Withstood War Through National Unity and Strong Leadership

President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Iran was able to withstand the latest unprovoked American-Israeli aggression because of national unity and strong leadership.

Speaking in a televised interview on Friday, marking the beginning of the third year of his administration, Pezeshkian said Iran could have fallen into chaos under the pressure.

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.”

He said unity and cooperation among the people prevented Iran’s opponents from achieving their goals.

“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,” he said, calling for the unity to be maintained.

Pezeshkian also discussed the Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June. The agreement was aimed at ending the conflict that followed the 40-day aggression.

He accused the United States of causing the agreement to fail by not respecting its commitments.

Iran expects the US to take reciprocal steps, including ending its illegal naval blockade and sanctions, removing restrictions on oil and petrochemical exports, releasing Iranian funds and stopping aggression on all fronts.

Pezeshkian rejected a “zero-sum approach” and said progress could be achieved through reciprocal actions.

He said Iran would continue to meet its commitments as long as the other side did the same. If the other side failed to meet its commitments, Iran would also no longer be bound by its own commitments.

The president said continued dialogue, vigilance and reciprocal obligations could help achieve results, while another war could reduce opportunities for diplomacy.

Pezeshkian also called for stronger diplomatic efforts with Iran’s neighbors and Muslim countries.

Speaking about relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, he said regional security should be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.

“We are brothers and are not rulers over one another,” he said.

Pezeshkian again stressed the importance of national unity, saying Iran could withstand pressure from the United States and other countries if its people remained united.

“If we are together, we can powerfully escape the great pressure that America and other countries are imposing on us.”