Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday called for national unity and restraint, pledging to address economic and social concerns while warning against what he described as foreign-backed attempts to sow discord and destabilise the country.
In an address to the nation, Pezeshkian said his government was making every effort to resolve longstanding problems and alleviate public concerns. He stressed that Iran would not allow external actors to interfere in its internal affairs or exploit grievances to fracture national cohesion.
“We will not permit any foreigners to plant the seeds of discord among our people,” the president said, urging citizens from all walks of life to cooperate with the government to confront what he termed foreign-sponsored riots and unrest. He called on Iranians to stand together to overcome challenges facing the nation and work collectively toward stability and progress.
The president also promised concrete improvements in people’s lives, saying his administration was committed to fighting the root causes of corruption and restoring public trust. He appealed for calm, emphasising that no citizen should engage in violence or chaos. “No human being should kill another person,” he said, calling for peaceful conduct and respect for life.
Addressing international issues, Pezeshkian sharply criticised the United States, saying the US president should be “ashamed” of Washington’s actions in Venezuela, Gaza and other regions. He argued that such policies reflected double standards and contributed to instability beyond Iran’s borders.
Pezeshkian urged the public to clearly separate themselves from what he described as rioters and armed terrorists, saying lawful dissent must not be hijacked by violence. He reiterated that the Iranian people had the capacity and resilience to confront challenges and safeguard national unity.
The address comes amid heightened tensions and official assertions of external interference in recent unrest, with the government seeking to project confidence and continuity. Lord observers note that Pezeshkian’s remarks combined calls for reform with a firm warning against foreign involvement, framing unity as central to Iran’s path forward. — LORD
