President Criticizes Hypocrisy of Western Powers, Calls for Strategic Domestic Planning

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the National Congress on “The Role of Islamic Councils and Public Participation in the Constitution” on Tuesday, Pezeshkian said: “On one hand, sanctions and economic restrictions block the nation’s development; on the other, the same actors present themselves as caring for our people. Those who have turned the world into a scene of killings and plunder now claim to uphold human rights.”

Pezeshkian highlighted that the country’s core problem is not a lack of authority, but the absence of a clear development plan and vision for cities and regions. He stressed that granting authority without a comprehensive plan leads to chaos. “Until we know where our cities are headed and what plans are in place for each region, delegation of authority will not be effective,” he said.

He noted that Tehran, Karaj, Qazvin, Varamin, and surrounding areas face serious challenges, including severe water shortages, land subsidence, and environmental issues. “If a comprehensive, science-based plan had been established from the beginning to determine how much development and population load these areas could sustain, we would not be facing such crises today,” Pezeshkian said. He emphasized that each city and building must be constructed according to precise technical, social, economic, and environmental guidelines, after which authority can be responsibly delegated to local officials.

The president also addressed foreign pressures, asserting that external actors see Iran as vulnerable due to perceived difficulties within the country. “They apply sanctions and economic restrictions while pretending to care for our people. Those same powers, who have committed widespread massacres, now claim to defend human rights,” he said.

Pezeshkian specifically referenced humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Palestine, saying civilians—including women, children, and the elderly—are indiscriminately targeted, yet the perpetrators speak of human rights. “They create problems for our country while presenting themselves as the world’s moral guardians,” he added.

Turning to domestic policy, Pezeshkian outlined recent structural reforms, particularly in currency allocation, aimed at eliminating rent-seeking, monopolies, and corruption. He clarified that government subsidies were not removed but redistributed directly to all citizens, ensuring fairness and reducing hidden inequality.

He explained that each citizen now receives a monthly subsidy equivalent to one million tomans, calibrated to account for inflation, and sufficient to cover basic necessities. “This approach benefits lower-income households while addressing the longstanding unfair distribution that previously favored wealthier groups,” Pezeshkian said.

On fuel and energy pricing, Pezeshkian emphasized that revenues would be transparently and fairly directed to all citizens, rather than being captured by specific groups exploiting the system. “The government’s priority is justice, not the enrichment of special interests,” he said.

Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of empowering local councils and community-based initiatives. He stressed that reform starts at the neighborhood level, where citizens can actively participate in solving issues related to employment, healthcare, and welfare. “Neighborhoods themselves are a source of power,” he said. “When people come together with clear plans, they can address local challenges without direct government intervention.”

He encouraged active participation, saying: “Anyone who claims they can solve a problem is welcome to take responsibility. The government is prepared to delegate authority and resources to those willing to act—but the tasks and objectives must be clearly defined.”

The president called on media and oversight bodies to closely monitor government actions. “If any favoritism or misallocation occurs, the public should know. Our goal is to ensure that government resources reach everyone fairly,” he said. He emphasized that political motivations do not guide these reforms; the priority is preventing rent-seeking and corruption.

Acknowledging the difficulties in structural reform, Pezeshkian cautioned that progress would take time. “Problems are not new; they have accumulated over years. Effective reform requires realistic assessments of our capacities, limits, and threats, and collective decision-making based on these realities,” he said. “President ”

Pezeshkian reiterated that successful change begins with clear planning and responsible delegation. Citing ongoing projects involving universities such as Sharif and Tarbiat Modares to address water management and energy efficiency, he stressed that authority has been given to capable institutions to implement practical solutions.

“Until we can properly organize neighborhoods, expecting to transform the entire country overnight is unrealistic,” Pezeshkian concluded. “The government is ready to delegate responsibility and authority, but precise objectives and actionable plans must first be established.”