Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticized foreign pressures against the Iranian nation. Addressing a public gathering in Tehran on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian stated that Iran’s adversaries attempt to obstruct the nation’s progress through sanctions and economic restrictions while simultaneously portraying themselves as defenders of the Iranian people.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, those who have committed widespread crimes and mass killings now claim to champion human rights, he said, calling such positions deeply contradictory. Referring to the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Palestine, the president highlighted blatant violations of human rights.

Pezeshkian noted that women, children, the elderly, and civilians are indiscriminately targeted by bombardments, and yet the perpetrators speak of human rights. He described this as a truly catastrophic situation.

President Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s true source of power and wealth lies in its people. He stresse
d that all governing institutions, including the administration, parliament, councils, and other bodies, must remain closely connected to the public. ‘My only demand is for Iran to stand proud and for its people to live with dignity,’ Pezeshkian said, adding that he would spare no effort within the framework of the Leader’s policies to achieve this goal.

Highlighting the importance of dialogue and free expression, the president reiterated the Leader’s emphasis on establishing forums for open discussion at universities. He added that students are a national asset, and the people are the country’s greatest capital. The government’s duty is to listen to the people and work to resolve their problems, Pezeshkian stated.

President Pezeshkian also underscored the government’s commitment to transparency, urging media outlets and oversight bodies to closely scrutinize officials’ performances.