Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted on Sunday that the country’s resilience and national unity have thwarted external efforts to destabilize the nation amid what he described as a full-scale economic, military, and security campaign against Tehran. Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of Government Week at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Pezeshkian highlighted Iran’s ability to withstand intense pressures without fracturing socially or politically.

Pezeshkian said adversaries had anticipated that sustained military actions, economic sanctions, and political assaults would cause Iran to collapse. Instead, he emphasized, Iran has emerged stronger, noting that both domestic cohesion and the government’s resolve had defied international expectations. The president acknowledged the period since his administration took office had been marked by a series of challenges, including economic sanctions, threats of military conflict, political pressures, targeted assassinations, and ongoing domestic issues such as shortages in water, energy, fuel, environmental concerns, and banking disturbances.

Describing the multifaceted confrontation against Iran as extending beyond the battlefield, Pezeshkian pointed to economic restrictions and diplomatic isolation as key components of what he called an “economic war.” He referenced recent U.S. threats to impose severe sanctions, arguing that such measures had not succeeded in weakening Iran’s determination. The president also accused Tehran’s opponents of attempting to persuade other Muslim countries to limit economic engagements with Iran to increase pressure on the government.

In his remarks, Pezeshkian urged Iranians to draw on the spirit of unity demonstrated during the 1980–88 war with Iraq, calling for coordinated efforts among citizens and institutions to prevent social and political divisions from deepening amid economic hardship. He stressed that national strength derives from solidarity, consultation, expertise, and unified decision-making, with political factions and government bodies expected to support collaboratively reached policies.

Addressing recent diplomatic efforts, Pezeshkian defended a memorandum of understanding brokered through Pakistan, describing it as the outcome of extensive consultations among military, security, and government officials. He characterized the Islamabad agreement as a technical consensus based on principles of expediency, dignity, and wisdom, dismissing claims that it involved any form of surrender or concession. The president emphasized that the agreement contained commitments solely on the opposing party’s part and was aimed at resolving the prolonged state of “neither war nor peace” to safeguard Iran’s interests and stability.

Linking political stability to economic progress, Pezeshkian noted that investment is unlikely in an environment of ongoing conflict or uncertainty, stressing the need for a diplomatic framework to foster recovery. While acknowledging ongoing economic and social challenges, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving living standards and addressing inflation. He also expressed gratitude to the armed forces and citizens, including those with grievances against the government, for maintaining solidarity in the face of external pressures.

“We are ashamed before the people that problems exist,” Pezeshkian said, pledging to continue working “as long as we have breath in our bodies” to enhance welfare and navigate Iran through current difficulties. His statements underscored national cohesion and resistance as central to Iran’s strategy, alongside cautious diplomacy aimed at mitigating the risks of prolonged confrontation.