TEHRAN (Iran News) Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday afternoon, 13 Dey, attended a ceremony marking the completion of the 1,500-unit Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (PBUH) residential complex for FARAJA. The event coincided with the auspicious anniversary of the birth of Imam Ali (PBUH). Expressing appreciation for the efforts and dedication behind the project, the President described it as a valuable example of moving along the right path of public service.

He stated that the measures taken in this project demonstrate the opening of a new path and a different approach to solving the country’s challenges—one that proves limitations and perceived impossibilities can be turned into opportunities through determination, a comprehensive outlook, and efficient management, resulting in more complete and impactful outcomes.

The President stressed that despite the possibility of further expansion and completion, the project at its current stage represents a major achievement worthy of appreciation, adding that the government considers itself, to the extent of its capabilities, a partner and supporter of this path.

Pezeshkian went on to say that adherence to the teachings and conduct of Imam Ali (PBUH) is key to resolving many of the country’s challenges. He noted that Imam Ali’s words and conduct are not merely ethical recommendations or personal advice, but a clear and practical guide for governance and just administration. If society claims to follow Imam Ali, he said, it must implement his directives in behavior, decision-making, and policymaking, rather than limiting itself to expressions of devotion or ceremonial commemorations.

Emphasizing that the Holy Qur’an and the sayings of Imam Ali (PBUH) must be regarded as “instructions for implementation,” the President said that when Imam Ali commands or forbids an action, the duty is clear. Any behavior, decision, or policy that deviates from this path cannot claim adherence to the Alawite way. He added that the true measure of religiosity and Shi‘a identity lies in practicing justice, fairness, and respect for people’s rights.

Referring to Imam Ali’s historic letter to Malik al-Ashtar, the President described it as a comprehensive charter of Islamic governance. He said the letter advises rulers to avoid following personal desires, to act with fairness toward both friends and foes, to open their hearts to compassion for the people, and to refrain from unnecessary harshness. People, he noted, are either equals in faith or equals in creation, and may err due to social difficulties and harsh conditions; in such cases, the ruler’s duty is to respond with forgiveness, compassion, and justice.

Highlighting the heavy responsibility borne by those in power, Pezeshkian said that from Imam Ali’s perspective, authority is not a privilege but a divine trust, with God standing above all rulers. No official, he stressed, has the right to see themselves as immune from accountability. Just conduct, restraint from aggression, and humility before the people are essential requirements of Islamic governance.

The President pointed to the roots of many social and political disputes, saying that many conflicts stem from egoism and the dominance of self-interest, where individuals seek personal gain, fame, or greater power. Moving from “me” to “we,” he said, would resolve many problems and guide society toward empathy and cohesion.

Stressing the necessity of achieving social justice, Pezeshkian said the government considers itself obliged to base economic, livelihood, and resource distribution policies on justice. Support and subsidy policies, he added, must be reformed so that resources reach people—especially vulnerable groups—directly and fairly, without being wasted along distribution chains or causing discrimination.

He continued that in the areas of essential goods, energy, gasoline, gas, and electricity, if justice is to be upheld, people’s shares must be defined equally and transparently. It is unacceptable, he said, for some to benefit more from hidden subsidies due to higher consumption while a significant portion of society effectively receives no share of these resources. The government, he emphasized, is determined on this path and will not allow the implementation of justice to be sacrificed to pressure or group interests.

Referring again to cooperation between the government and Parliament in reforming support policies, the President reiterated that the government’s aim is to ease living pressures on the public and prevent corruption in supply and distribution chains, welcoming criticism, oversight, and cooperation from all concerned citizens.

In another part of his remarks, Pezeshkian criticized claims by countries that present themselves as champions of human rights, particularly the United States and its allies. He said that blatant crimes against oppressed people—especially women and children—are being committed by the same actors who speak of humanity, democracy, and human rights, exposing the true face of false human-rights advocates.

Emphasizing that the Iranian nation will stand firm against pressure through faith, unity, and commitment to justice, the President said that no power can bring to its knees a nation that moves along the path of truth and justice.

In closing, he expressed appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices of the country’s dedicated forces, particularly those active in security and public service. He said the government sees itself as a servant of the people and will deploy all its capabilities to resolve problems, realize justice, and preserve human dignity. He concluded by expressing hope that God would grant success before the people, the martyrs, and ultimately before God Himself.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the National Conference on Investment Opportunities in North Khorasan, Payam Bagheri said: “As of 2024, the United States remains by far the leading country in attracting global investment, followed by other nations, with China ranking fourth. This shows the strategic importance of attracting capital.”

Bagheri highlighted that investment leads to substantial benefits such as increased production, job creation, improved public welfare, stronger household economies, and the development of energy infrastructure.

“Unfortunately, Iran ranks fourth in the region after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in attracting investment. Given the country’s vast potential, this gap is significant,” he noted.

He explained that successful investment requires a “three-pillar foundation: investment security, investment attractiveness, and transparency.”

“Investment security guarantees the protection of capital and the return on profits. To make Iran more attractive to investors, we must adopt predictable economic models, recognize the principle of transparency, and respect property rights,” Bagheri said.

Addressing the barriers to investment in Iran, Bagheri pointed to political, economic, and legal factors:

“We are witnessing volatility in key economic indicators, which deters investors. International restrictions and sanctions, lengthy and costly bureaucratic procedures, frequent changes in regulations and economic policies, and weaknesses in energy, transportation, and communication infrastructure all hinder our ability to attract capital.”

The ICCIMA vice president stressed the importance of empowering the private sector:

“To advance investment processes, we must rely on the private sector. More than ever, it is essential for the government to step back from direct intervention in the economy. Government interference creates an uneven playing field that discourages investors. The state should act as a regulator, not as a market participant.”

Bagheri added that while the private sector has become relatively resilient to sanctions, it still suffers from domestic self-imposed restrictions (‘self-sanctioning’).

“Unless these issues are resolved, we will not be able to move forward in developing investment.”

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