Interviewer: Dr. Pezeshkian! In one of his recent speeches, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, specifically praised the government's services and emphasized the necessity of supporting the administration. Later, in another speech, he stated that despite existing problems and shortcomings, the country is progressing. In light of these two speeches and these two points made by the esteemed Leader, please provide a brief report on the government's most significant executive measures over the past year and explain the country's progress trajectory for our audience. After all, as the President and the country's top executive official, you are more aware than anyone else of this progress.
Dr. Pezeshkian: In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. First and foremost, we must thank the esteemed Leader who, up to this point, in both public and private meetings, has fully supported the government. Without his support and guidance, we would certainly have faced many more problems; therefore, this is highly appreciated.
What we are currently pursuing and striving to rectify is the issue of imbalances. If we were to elaborate, the current trend in the country is one where many sectors are facing significant imbalances. The energy issue—which manifested itself from the very beginning—water issues, financial matters, management challenges, and political, social, economic, and cultural issues, are all areas where we are facing problems on a large scale.
When we took office, we faced a 20,000-megawatt energy deficit. This deficit had accumulated over the years; naturally, consumption was increasing on the one hand, while on the other hand, there had been no development in providing energy services. This was also a year of low rainfall, with average precipitation decreasing by nearly 40 percent compared to previous years. There was no water behind the dams, and although we had nearly 14,000 megawatts of hydropower capacity, we could not fully utilize it due to the water shortage. In other words, our energy deficit reached about 30,000 megawatts. Well, naturally, we were in the midst of a war, and we had to resolve these issues under those conditions.
The effort made regarding these imbalances was that, on one hand, we began to reduce or control costs and consumption, and on the other, the fastest way we could access and procure the needed energy was solar panels, which are also a very valuable tool environmentally; for every thousand megawatts, it prevents the emission of nearly one million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Up until this year, we have managed to bring over 3,000 megawatts of solar panels into the energy production stream, whereas in previous years only one thousand megawatts were operational. This process is continuing. Tomorrow, nearly 800 megawatts of solar panels will be added, and it's progressing rapidly—about 300 megawatts of solar panels are being commissioned weekly. The contracts signed amount to nearly 80,000 megawatts. So, if we can maintain this pace, we will significantly reduce our use of fossil fuels.
Furthermore, we had built combined-cycle power plants that were only using gas. We have nearly 7,000 megawatts of combined-cycle capacity, of which we managed to bring 3,000 megawatts online. however, 4,000 megawatts remain, and work is ongoing to complete them.
Electricity consumption was increasing by about five to six percent annually, which meant an additional requirement of three to four thousand megawatts. Through recommendations and implemented programs, we achieved a five percent reduction in growth. Not only did we avoid a five percent increase, but we managed a five percent decrease, meaning we controlled nearly three to four thousand megawatts there. Furthermore, by regulating and collecting existing cryptocurrency miners, we managed to reduce consumption by nearly 2,000 megawatts. Therefore, these measures helped us solve the [country’s] energy problems to some extent.
Of course, this work continues, and we will strive, God willing, to avoid blackouts in the same way next summer, unless God forbid an unforeseen incident occurs, a line is damaged, or a factory shuts down. But the construction of solar panels is progressing at such a rapid rate that, God willing, we will have no problem compensating for energy.
Our next discussion was about controlling the flared gases. The potential revenue from controlling these flared gases amounts to nearly five to six billion dollars; if we can control them, significant savings will be achieved. So far, we have managed to control nearly 15 million cubic meters of gas per day, while in total over all past periods, only 9 million cubic meters had been managed. Currently, for the remaining fields where gas is being flared, contracts have been signed with various contractors, and they are making sure to also sign contracts with those they haven't yet. We have held meetings and are following things up to ensure the work gets completed.
Regarding the corridors, which are very important, we will complete the Astara-Rasht corridor, the Shalamcheh-Basra corridor, and most likely the Zahedan-Chabahar corridor this year. So far, perhaps over 10-12 thousand billion Tomans have been allocated to this issue, and we will likely need to pay a similar amount again. Today, we had a cabinet meeting on this very issue, and if no problem arises, by the will of God, we will complete the work related to these corridors this year.
Regarding the Shalamcheh-Basra corridor, the main work has been done, and its pillars are up. The most difficult part of this corridor was where the route had to cross the river between us and Basra. Nearly 60 million dollars was spent on the pillars they installed underwater there, in addition to the mine-clearing operations that had to be done, which we carried out. Of course, the Iraqi side also needs to do some work, which they are also following up on.
The Astara-Rasht corridor was also a project that was pending, and we are advancing it forward. When we came into office, about 30 kilometers of the 160-kilometer route had been acquired, but now nearly 115 kilometers have been acquired. The number of lands they are acquiring is increasing every week, and they have promised to complete this project by the end of this year, God willing. We are following it up on a weekly basis, aiming to acquire the entire route. There are loans available, and this project will commence according to those loans. We’ve had experts come and they are currently working on this project.
Our relations with our neighbors have improved greatly. Our ties with neighboring countries have developed in many fields, including culture, science, and economics. Relations with Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, and in the Persian Gulf with Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and others have seen a marked improvement. Despite all the existing problems, our international communication channels are increasing. Very good relations have been established with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. We are currently optimizing our routes. Corridors are now the government's priority. We have secured the necessary resources for the North-South and East-West routes, and next year we will move at a much faster pace, both in terms of road and rail construction, and also in terms of providing the necessary wagons, diesel, and equipment. We are following up on all these tasks to resolve the issues.
In the field of social issues, major work has been done regarding mosque-centered and neighborhood-centered initiatives, as well as public participation. Of course, because these are social issues, they may not be easily quantifiable; also, these issues are time-consuming and naturally, changing behavior is not easy. In this regard, the esteemed Leader instructed our dear brother Haj Agha Ali Akbari to coordinate these efforts, and they have brought nearly 10,000 mosques into the picture. We have involved our health centers and schools in this process, and a major effort has been made regarding education. With public participation, we collected all makeshift (trailer) and stone schools, and we built schools in places where there weren’t any schools. All of this was done with the help of the people, inter-sectoral relations, and philanthropists. Over ten million square meters of space have been built and it is still being built rapidly.
In addition to building schools, there was also the issue of hardware within schools – regarding what our children need in order to receive adequate education in that environment. And more importantly, the manner and method of teaching in our classrooms. The layout of our classrooms has changed, the type of teaching has changed, and these educational approaches will improve and is improving on a daily basis. Of course, our focus is primarily on public schools and schools in underprivileged areas, and we are pursuing the educational justice that we often speak of.
One of the important issues is the discussion of management and delegation of authority. In a meeting with provincial governors, the Leader recommended that managers have authority, and this has been his view since long ago. This authority was particularly evident during the 12-Day War, and provinces managed their affairs without any problems arising; this was due to the authorities that had been delegated. Of course, the respected Parliament raised some legal objections, which we are also resolving. Our belief and conviction is that authority must be delegated to the provinces so they can manage their tasks independently, without the need for a governor, university president, or director general to travel to Tehran to seek permission for every task. In this regard, very useful measures have been taken that have yielded excellent results, which of course is extensive, therefore, I will only speak of the overall process that is currently taking place.
Regarding healthcare, we have initiated discussions on family physicians and are currently reaching a common language and perspective; because what they must do is clear in theory, but in practice, often what is said is not implemented. In the meetings we held, nearly 63 cities and regions were selected to do this work, and in five of these cities, the entire county was selected. Anyway, the working method is clear; they just need to be able to learn what to do. The issue is very clear. The Family Physician Plan defines who is responsible for which group, what services must be provided to that group, and ultimately, how the person providing the service should be paid. If we achieve this, it means no individual in the entire country will be overlooked by the government; for everyone – whether poor or wealthy, in remote areas or nearby – it will be clear who should provide what quality of service, without a direct financial relationship at the point of care. If we can do this, we will implement justice in the true sense within the healthcare system. Of course, changing this behavior is not easy and these issues themselves are worthy of discussion.
In financial and monetary discussions, we also established an organization for optimizing and managing gasoline and diesel consumption, and they now have their own specific programs. In fact, we broke the taboo that gasoline prices cannot be touched. We started with ourselves: government vehicles no longer have fuel cards and must purchase fuel at market rates. This also applies to free zones, and new entrants. For now, we have not intervened in other matters, but we are trying to fix the suburban rail issues and improve public transportation, before intervening in intercity prices. The most important discussion we are pursuing here is the livelihood of the people; this is a concern that I discuss with the cabinet and my dear colleagues perhaps every week. Its resources must be considered so that resources are created for these, and according to these resources, we can improve people's livelihood.
Interviewer: Dr! You wake up at 6:30 a.m. and are at work by 7:00 a.m. What time do you go to sleep at night?
Dr. Pezeshkian: It depends; I often wake up at 5:00 a.m. and come home at midnight.
Interviewer: The reason I asked is because some Western media – by distorting some of your stances and statements – are advancing a propaganda line that the Islamic Republic government and the President are incapable of addressing and solving problems. What is Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian's response to these malicious and hostile claims?
Dr. Pezeshkian: Look! Based on all their analyses, they believed that if the Zionist regime attacked Iran, the system would collapse. Why didn't it collapse? Their calculations were that if they attacked, people would pour into the streets, problems would arise, livelihoods would be threatened, and various services would be disrupted.
Interviewer: Of course, during the days of the war, government services continued to operate regularly.
Dr. Pezeshkian: It was better than before, because authority had been delegated to the governors; for example, during those twelve days, they were able to move over ten million tons of goods through our customs. The very drivers who had grievances came forward courageously; the people who had complaints defended the system and the integrity of the country wholeheartedly; in fact, they demonstrated both internal cohesion against the enemy and also their presence and unity [with the government]. This is a very high value that shows government officials and politicians must believe in these people and be kind to them.
We are doing our utmost to serve these people honestly and without any condescension, and aside from serving these people, I can say we are not pursuing anything else. Despite all these pressures, the people have shown great cooperation. All enemy calculations were that an attack would cause the country to descend into turmoil; but the people defended their Iran, their country, their religion, their culture, and their Leader. In 2022, an incident occurred. However, in 2025, everyone poured into the streets and said they would sacrifice their lives for the Leader. What happened? This view of the people and the return of that social capital was very promising, and no matter how much we serve these people, it’s not enough; therefore, I hope we do not fail our dear people.
Interviewer: What is your response to the malicious claims I mentioned? For example, regarding yourself, Western media have recently published analyses saying Mr. Pezeshkian says “I can't!” While this is actually the exact opposite of the work you are doing.
Dr. Pezeshkian: Of course, I have said many times “I can't,” but rather “we can.” The country's problems are not such that I alone can solve them – I have said this many times – but we will, with all our might, put these problems, sanctions, and pressures behind us. It is impossible for us to be united and for them to incapacitate us. The reason I say we should have unity and harmony is because this is my belief and conviction. Whether inside the country or with our neighbors, if we have unity, the US will not be able to exploit the countries of the region like this. It is we who can solve the problems. Of course, the problems that exist are not easily solvable. They have made certain calculations; it's not like they acted without a plan. They are working from every aspect – economically, militarily, politically, security-wise, and through propaganda. Our country stands on its own feet. Now they have come and written a program that, for example, Iran must collapse in 36 months! Until yesterday they said it could collapse in 12 days, now they have written 36 months. If we stand together, they won’t be able to achieve this in even 36,000 years.
In order to be together, we must reach a common language and perspective; we must follow the policies of the Leader, and try to put aside our differences, because every difference causes a lack of coordination in governance. They have blocked our paths, but we will find a way, and if we don't find one, we will build one. If we stand together, this will be achievable; but if we fight with each other, it will not be possible. This is a collective effort, and we must operate within this framework and act in coordination.
Interviewer: The Leader of the Islamic Revolution noted that even though the administration has changed, some of the system's major policies and projects are progressing, and you, as the new President, are personally continuing and completing some of the previous administration’s projects. Please explain some of these projects and tell us whether they have reached completion, or if changes have been made in their path based on your expert assessment.
Dr. Pezeshkian: Look! In my opinion, our problem so far has been that all those who took office would write a new program for themselves; whereas we should accept that we have an overall policy, a vision, and a twenty-year plan. In the Twenty-Year Vision Plan, the Leader had outlined where we should stand by 2025. If we had acted on those policies, would we be where we are now? Why aren't we? Because everyone who arrived thought they had a program; whereas the governance already had a program and its policy was clear. Everyone who came should have executed that program and policy. During the election period, the discussion they had with us was about this very point. They said, “You don't have a program.” When a country already has a policy and a program in place, you can’t have someone come and introduce a different program. I cannot put aside the program they executed within the framework of those policies and choose another program or path. Despite all the problems that exist, we are continuing that path with all our strength.
All the projects that existed from the past that we inaugurated – whether regarding housing, unfinished roads, railways, or water and sewage – we also announced there that this was their work, and we inaugurated it; for example, they had completed 80-percent of it, and we finished the remaining 20. It is not that we think we are doing things that others didn't do; in fact, we are continuing the path they started, and now we are also prioritizing. We have nearly seven quadrillion tomans worth of unfinished projects, which from a scientific and managerial standpoint, is absolutely unacceptable. Now, in every province we visit, we follow up and execute every resolution we have, to the letter. You can investigate and see if there is any resolution in the provinces we visited that was not executed. In some places, one hundred percent of what is said and written is being acted upon. We should not come and make promises that we do not or cannot fulfill. Consequently, we are now trying to follow up on existing paths and projects with power and decisiveness, based on priority.
Interviewer: Please give us two or three examples.
Dr. Pezeshkian: For example, the Mehr Housing Scheme; we finished building over 50,000 housing units for the underprivileged, plus other half-finished housing units. Regarding water supply projects, the route that was supposed to bring Taleghan water to Tehran was a big project; well, we allocated credit and completed it, and this was the same route they had continued. For example, they initiated work on the Zahedan-Chabahar corridor, and we are completing it; even the Astara-Rasht corridor – they initiated it, but we are moving forward with power to complete it. Currently, work is ongoing on the nuclear energy-related projects in Bushehr, which will produce nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity. We are pursuing these with power. Of course, it will be time-consuming and it is not that simple. We have not initiated anything ourselves; all these are issues that existed before, and we are continuing the same path.
Interviewer: Dr! The Leader of the Islamic Revolution has repeatedly warned about the problem of waste in various areas such as water, bread, food, gasoline, and energy, and considered this a major problem. Specifically, what is your government's program to reduce waste in various areas?
Dr. Pezeshkian: We are working on it, and the Leader really helps us with his advice and support. With the recommendations that were made, water consumption has dropped by ten percent. Do you know what ten percent amounts to in millions of cubic meters annually? By reducing water consumption on that side, electricity energy consumption was also reduced. I have said many times that we produce nearly $180 billion worth – that is, for example, nearly 9 million barrels of oil and gas a day – we export about 1.5 million barrels and consume the rest. Now if we save 10% of that – which is very easily achievable – it would amount to roughly 900,000 barrels of oil and gas per day.
This 10% saving alone could fill all the gaps that exist; it could resolve all the issues that currently cause public dissatisfaction – people’s livelihoods, roads, highways, and subsequent developments. Instead of us burning, suppose, nine million barrels of oil and gas, we save ten percent of it; this is a very large figure.
We consume two to three times more electricity than Europe; the gas we consume is absolutely incomparable to them. We are the second-largest country in terms of gas and energy reserves, yet we are currently cutting off gas to industries, petrochemicals, and factories. Why? Because we didn't manage or allocate properly, and we don't consume efficiently. There is no need for us to consume the way we do. [Some of us] set the temperature at 28 or 30, and even take off our shirts; sometimes we even open the window while our heater or radiator is on!
In the Quran, it says: “Eat and drink, but do not waste; indeed, He does not like the wasteful” (7:31). We sit in a room and turn 40 lights on! What for? If everyone controls [their consumption] just a little, we will be able to solve many of our problems. We do not need anyone else, provided that we can manage what we have ourselves. Our country is full of gold and mines, but it is our behavior that determines whether we can or cannot bring these golds and mines to fruition.
Interviewer: Are you saying the temperature here doesn't go above 21 degrees?
Dr. Pezeshkian: When I arrived, I complained; because when we are not here, they have no right whatsoever to heat this place.
Interviewer: No, it wasn't warm, Dr.
Dr. Pezeshkian: They said they had just turned it on, otherwise we kept them off. In most of our rooms, we no longer turn on the radiators, because if I’m not going there, there’s no reason for them to be on. Why should a room be heated for 24 hours if I only spend an hour there? I do my work in one place and no longer go from this room to that room; why should I do that? It's very easy to save. This is also the Leader's recommendation, and God says if you are Muslim, do not be wasteful.
When I want to read a book in my office, why should the whole building be lit up just because I'm there? I have now put a study lamp and I do my work with that; since I don't need the rest of the room, I turn off the other lights. Why should the entire room be lit just because I want to sign two documents? If we can save ten percent, even that is a very large figure. Of course, I’m controlling a lot of other things as well. They had built a pool here that was kept heated constantly. I asked why it was being kept warm. They said it was in case I wanted to swim. I told them to shut it down. It’s unnecessary. If I ever want to swim, I’ll go to a public pool; there’s no need to maintain a private pool 24/7 just in case I might use it someday.
000In my opinion, we are in a full-fledged war with America, Israel, and Europe; they do not want our country to stand on its feet. This war is worse than Iraq’s war against us; if one understands it well, this war is far more complex and difficult than that war. In the war with Iraq, the situation was clear: they fired missiles, and I also knew where to hit. Here, they are besieging us from every aspect, they are putting us in difficulty and constraint, creating problems – in terms of livelihood, culturally, politically, and security-wise – while raising society's expectations. On one side, they block our sales, our exchanges, our trade, and on the other side, expectations in society have risen! Consequently, we must all help with all our might to fix the country.
Interviewer: Dr! It seems that after their failure in the 12-Day War, the enemy has changed its behavior and policy and turned to a kind of psychological and media operation based on the notion that Iran in general and the government in particular are weak and have no choice but to surrender. As President and Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, what is your response to this?
Dr. Pezeshkian: Let them dwell in their fantasies. They attacked us with this very illusion, but it only increased our internal unity and cohesion. What the Leader is doing now – creating coordination among the branches of power – ensures that if unanimity and empathy emerge, no power can incapacitate a cohesive and unified nation. The concern I have – which is more important than any military power – is internal cohesion and unity, putting aside differences, and joining hands to solve problems. Why did we say that we need to make things neighborhood-centered and mosque-centered, and that we should involve the people? People must interfere and participate in policymaking. We must involve people in decision-making. How did we manage the war? Did the government have money? Back then, the US and Arab countries were helping Iraq and Saddam Hussein. Were they able to take one inch of our soil? All the [world] powers were helping them. It was the people who did this work. We want those people and those managers with the same mindset; meaning, we want people and managers who know the country is theirs, the region is theirs, and that they can solve their problems with all their being.
We are solving our problems; the thing I am worried about and have said many times, is only that we might fail to put aside our differences. The enemy is fanning the flames of division; we must be careful not to let it consume us. And if we have differences, let's argue behind closed doors; but when we step outside, a single voice should emerge from the system—the voice of the paths and directions shown by the Leader. There may be something else in my heart, but when the path is clear, everyone must move in that direction. And if everyone is together, we will overcome these problems; they can do whatever they want. If we can implement justice and fairness in the country and involve people in our decision-making and policies, and they see the problems we face, they themselves will help solve our problems.
Interviewer: Currently, economic pressures are heavy, which many people understand. Mr. President, how much do you feel and are aware of the people's economic conditions?
Dr. Pezeshkian: We fully understand the economic problems that people are facing. We used to sell oil for around $75; now we sell it for $50 – meaning $25 less per barrel. On one hand, they applied pressure and our income decreased, and on the other, there was war and a bit of our services and production decreased. Despite all this, it has been decided that by the New Year, nearly $2.5 billion will be allocated to provide necessary subsidies and electronic coupons to the target population as much as possible. The gasoline money – though 5,000 Tomans isn't a huge amount – but it has been decided that whatever money the government gets from this, it will spend it on commodity coupons or the people's livelihoods.
We have spoken with the Parliament about ensuring the people's livelihood next year by any means possible. We must reach a common language and perspective with the Parliament, the MPs, and even with the entire governance structure. We must identify where funds and subsidies should and should not be allocated and reach an agreement.
In this gasoline debate, how much subsidy do you think we provide per tank? Based on the quota we give, it's nearly eight million Tomans per month – and that's if they stay within the 60 or 100-liter limit. If they consume more, it reaches about twenty million Tomans per tank. Now if we have two tanks, then see how much it becomes. Why are we spending money like this? Why aren’t we giving this subsidy to everyone? And when we intervene, some cry out, “Why are you increasing prices?” We are not increasing prices; we want to distribute what we have to everyone. If I am going to give seven million, ten million, or twenty million Tomans subsidy per car tank, well, I will give this to everyone. I will pay everyone according to their share.
Our media must up for this and help build the necessary cultural mindset. We are not taking any money to plug our administration’s budget holes, nor are we cutting subsidies. We want to give this subsidy to everyone. I might have several cars at home, and depending on my consumption, I might receive eight million, nine million, or ten million Tomans in subsidies per tank.
Interviewer: Based on statistics, apparently only 50-60% of people own private cars.
Dr. Pezeshkian: Yes, this too is debatable and completely clear. Why don't we give the money to everyone? Why do we only give it to those who own cars? This culture must be created. We intend to talk with the people, the MPs, and the government next year to reach a common understanding. We don't want any money for the government. This money belongs to everyone. It shouldn't be the case that someone with multiple cars gets to walk away with all the subsidies. This year, we imported nearly $5 billion worth of gasoline; we bought it at 60,000 Tomans, and we are selling it for only 1,500 or 3,000 Tomans! Why? And then we wonder why we can't improve the people's livelihoods.
We need the interaction with the people, and the people's trust. In the budget we submitted to Parliament this year, we’ve capped growth at just 2%. In previous years, we used to see budget expansions and cost increases of 40% or 50%. This time, we have made a deliberate effort to slash our own costs. We have even told Parliament to cut our costs wherever possible; they don’t need to add new expenses.
Interviewer: They said you have drafted a very tight, contractionary budget for the coming year.
Dr. Pezeshkian: There is still a lot of room; there is still a lot of room for us to be able to reduce many of our expenses. Why are we overspending? The productivity of the human workforce and the type of our services can be much better than this, and this is something that requires cooperation, empathy, and a shared vision. There are many things we can simply choose not to do. People's livelihood is our priority. I can choose not to allocate funds for mobile phones, but I must allocate them for people's livelihood. So far, we have provided $1.5 billion for mobile phone imports, yet we are currently struggling with food security, livestock feed, and basic goods. Of course, we didn't use the preferential exchange rate for those phones, but we still used our foreign currency reserves. Well, I must allocate that currency to people's livelihood first, and then if I have any left over, I can allocate it to other matters. If not, then exporters should rely on their own export revenues to fund their specific service needs
This requires a change in mindset; it requires cultural development. The same logic applies to electricity and gas. And this is where we need our national media, our esteemed members of Parliament, our respected clergy, and all political parties to step in and help us implement justice and fairness in this country. In that case, no one will have to struggle with hunger or their livelihood. We have the money – we just spend it poorly; we must manage this in the right way.
Interviewer: Dr! Did you have a meeting this week or last week with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution about economic and livelihood issues? In your most recent meetings with him, what specific reminders or key points did he emphasize regarding people's livelihood and economic issues?
Dr. Pezeshkian: We find an opportunity every week to meet with the Leader and consult with him on current reports and our strategic direction. He provides us, the other branches of government and other relevant bodies with his recommendations, which helps keep things on track to a certain extent. You see, the Leader’s primary concern is first and foremost people's livelihood; his most important concern is the people's livelihood.
The work we are doing and the programs we are planning require a unified front; we must move forward together. If this happens and our media, our Parliament, and other institutions coordinate their efforts, we can – at the very least – ensure that for the coming year, the public faces no new hardships in their livelihoods and that food prices stabilize. we can do this. We presented this matter to him, and his opinion was positive. We presented a program including about 20 clauses, and various economic groups in the government, Parliament, and some institutions are now coordinating to operationalize these twenty clauses. Because he was worried about the currency situation, basic goods, livestock feed, inflation, and the like, there are 17 or 18 specific mandates that we must be able to report on.
We have a problem in this field and this requires intervention, and that intervention is painful. People need to understand that our intention is to heal those wounds, and stitching them is costly. Saying, “I’m going to give you this and that,” is something that everyone likes to hear. [But] when you say, “I’m not going to give you this or that,” everyone gets upset. We must control our consumption. I'm not saying we shouldn’t consume anything; I'm saying we must control our consumption. A 10% reduction in consumption is not difficult at all. Everyone can take a step and help us. They can help our country, our Iran, and the society we live in. If we do this, we will emerge from these challenges with ease.
When I say come and help, it doesn't mean we are not doing our work; we are doing our work with power. In fact, we are also undertaking several initiatives that I won’t disclose right now – simply because there are those who would try to sabotage them or get in our way. But we are doing our job with absolute resolve. However, if everyone lends a hand wherever they can in this regard, it will be a complete game-changer [for the country.] We don't want to deprive ourselves of anyone's contribution. Whoever can help, should come forward.
The problems we are facing did not just appear today, nor did they appear during Martyr Raisi's time. There has been a trend, problems have constantly piled up, and now we must stand against it. Standing against it requires stitching and sometimes even major surgery. Well, our experts, our scientists, our intellectual elites, our investors, and our producers must all reach a common understanding: that if we make this intervention, it is for the benefit of our society. We don’t want to create problems for our people. We are here to serve the people. I can speak for myself at least and say that I have no other intention in my heart, except to solve the problems of our people.
Interviewer: Dr! Due to enemy propaganda, part of the population is worried that perhaps the American and Israeli enemy might want to cause mischief again. What is the President's response to these concerns? Of course, during the 12-Day War, we saw that even normal government services were not disrupted, and with predetermined coordination, cooperation, and planning, our society managed to function normally.
Dr. Pezeshkian: Look, our dear military forces are doing their job with power. Despite all the problems we face, we are now – in terms of both equipment and personnel – far stronger than we were during their previous attacks. Therefore, if they choose to strike, they will naturally face a more decisive response. But I return to the point that if we, the people, stand together and remain united, they will lose all hope of ever attacking our country. What they hope is – and they have said this themselves – for something to happen from within the country so they can come and start meddling in our affairs.
The reason I constantly say that if there is anything to be discussed, it is best to do it behind closed doors – where we can argue in private, but speak with one voice in public – is that if we have unity and cohesion, the people will understand that we truly want to serve them and that we make no distinction based on any gender, ethnicity, belief, or faith. As a national official, it is my duty to serve everyone based on justice. If we are Shia, if we consider ourselves followers of Imam Ali (pbuh), [we should keep in mind that] Imam Ali gave nothing extra to his brother Aqeel who had asked for more than his fair share from the public treasury. Honestly, if we had done that [and stayed true to that path], would people be dissatisfied with us? In some places we didn't do it, and the people are dissatisfied with us.
Well, it must be proven now. It can't be done with theory and talking. They tell me to come and talk. Well, we have been talking for a lifetime. I must prove that I will make no distinction between gender, ethnicity, race, or language. All of these are the commands of God, the Prophet, and the Imams, and we must act upon them. If we act upon the teachings of Islam and the instructions of of the Messenger of God and the Imam, it will create such unity, cohesion, and consensus in our society that others will look at us with envy and wish they had what we have. We should not say things to each other that are beneath us. Satan is the enemy of humans. He wants us to speak harshly and unkindly to one another. He wants us to fight each other.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time. We wish you and your respected administration all the best in your endeavors.
Dr. Pezeshkian: We are all one; therefore, the government and I are doing our best.
As the poet says:
This talk of “we” and “I” is born of reason and hobble
In the sanctuary of the intoxicated [with love for the Divine], neither “we” nor “I” remain
It is all Him. May God grant us the grace to continue upon the Divine path. We must demonstrate through our actions – and not merely through our words – the model of being a Muslim and the way of Islamic living that the Leader seeks to exemplify. We have spoken enough. May you be successful and may God grant you strength.