President Will Not Accept a Weak or Fragmented Iran

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking on Thursday, during a meeting with political activists in South Khorasan Province—his 16th provincial visit as part of the “National Consensus Government” tour—Pezeshkian said unity and reaching a shared national outlook take time and cannot be achieved overnight.

“Anyone who claims they can solve the country’s problems quickly and better should step forward—we would even kiss their hand,” he said. “But if they fail, they must be held accountable.”

The president emphasized that provincial managers are now being selected from within their own regions and cultural contexts. He highlighted the appointment of Sunni Baluch, Kurdish, Arab, and female officials to provincial leadership positions, calling it unprecedented in Iran’s administrative history.

He also noted that broader powers have been delegated to provincial governors to prevent centralized, top-down decision-making. Initiatives such as neighborhood-based, school-centered, and mosque-centered participation are being pursued to strengthen public involvement in governance.

“Change is not easy, but the path is being pursued firmly,” he said.

Pezeshkian described public participation in decision-making as one of the core priorities of his administration. He cited progress in community-supported school construction and reiterated the government’s commitment to justice in education, healthcare, and politics.

Acknowledging unfinished reforms, he said change takes time, particularly given limited financial resources. On water management, he said more than 80 full professors from leading Iranian universities are designing a national plan, with regional implementation involving governors, local officials, universities, and civil society organizations.

Asking for help, he stressed, does not mean the government lacks a plan. “No one can solve problems alone,” he said. “Those who claim they can fix everything overnight should come forward—we will give them authority.”

Pezeshkian pointed to concrete improvements in energy management. When his government took office, diesel reserves were far below required levels, but they have since increased significantly. Solar energy capacity has expanded from 1,000 megawatts to over 3,000 megawatts, with 200 megawatts added weekly.

He also said gas flaring—costing Iran billions of dollars annually—has begun to be curbed, and power shortages have been reduced compared to worst-case projections. More than 7,000 schools are under construction nationwide, with 2,000 already opened before the academic year.

The president confirmed that the North–South railway project in South Khorasan will be completed despite financial constraints and highlighted new measures to combat smuggling through integrated national data systems.

Addressing inflation, Pezeshkian said no single policy can solve it quickly and invited anyone—even government critics—to help if they have real solutions.

He rejected the idea that relations with Europe or the West alone could resolve Iran’s problems. Referring to past nuclear negotiations, he said Western powers ultimately demanded that Iran abandon enrichment, missile capabilities, and regional influence.

“They want a weak and fragmented Iran,” he said. “But as an Iranian, I will not accept a weak or divided Iran. I want an Iran with power and dignity.”

Pezeshkian stressed that building a strong Iran requires collective effort across all ethnicities, religions, genders, and beliefs, based solely on competence and expertise. He criticized empty slogans and warned against unqualified individuals offering simplistic solutions to complex economic challenges.

“Change happens gradually, not suddenly,” he said. “Our progress is tangible compared to the past, but transformation takes time. Provinces must help build themselves—we will support them and grant the necessary authority.”

The president concluded by calling for national solidarity, saying only through cooperation and realism can Iran overcome its long-standing challenges and move toward strength and stability.