Global
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Thursday that adversaries planned Iran's overthrow in 48 hours, believing a Syria-like scenario achievable. He stressed that state institutions, populace, and armed forces' cohesion foiled these plots, maintaining Iran as "a strong and respected nation." In a televised address marking two years since his oath, Pezeshkian detailed his government's initial challenges. These included Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, electricity, gas, and water crises, drought, intensified sanctions, plus a twelve-day war. He asserted these pressures aimed to weaken the country and incite internal chaos. He added that the current phase is Iran's toughest since the revolution, amid economic sanctions, financial pressures, and blockade. He noted adversaries' attempts to stir public discontent, affirming the Iranian people's resilience and homeland defense, with the government continuing its service. Pezeshkian accused Iran's foes of targeting national power symbols: scientists, universities, research centers, space, and AI projects, deeming the goal to weaken scientific and technological capabilities. He also noted that assassinations of military commanders failed to achieve adversaries' aims of state overthrow. The Iranian President emphasized that public unity was the decisive factor in overcoming crises. He stressed all citizens, regardless of affiliation, are partners in country protection, and leadership must treat them with justice and equality.
