TEHRAN – Iranian President Masudo Pezeshkian praised the people’s resilience during the recent war with Israel, saying the conflict showed deep national unity and unwavering resolve in the Islamic Republic facing external attacks.
Speaking at a national conference of governors held at the Home Office on Monday, the president began by celebrating the memories of martyrs of war and celebrating the unwavering support of the public. “Our people endured 12 difficult days with patience and solidarity, and their support hampered the sinister plans of their enemies,” he said. “This trust doubles our responsibility. We must now serve people more dedication than ever before.”
Pezeschkian emphasized the “solid and decisive” leadership role of leaders during the war, saying that the seamless change of top commanders after Israel’s assassination demonstrated the strength and continuity of the Islamic Republic. “The enemy didn’t expect our command structure to remain unharmed and operational, but this showed hope and power are alive in Iran,” he said.
The President emphasized his firm commitment to decentralization and authority mandate, and described it as a strategic path forward. “The challenges must be resolved through coordination, solidarity and local empowerment, not top-down orders,” he pointed out, adding that each governor must act as “their state president” and exercise his authority with speed, insight and justice.
Addressing the importance of justice and inclusion, Pezeschkian said: “All citizens are unfamiliar to being treated fairly, regardless of ethnic, religious or political orientation. This includes the justice of appointment, management and public interaction.”
He praised the contributions of state officials during the war, noting that many had surpassed expectations. “Some governors have demonstrated exceptional capabilities, and their merits and performance have proven essential to define appointments rather than connections.”
The President also called for strengthening grassroots institutions such as mosques, local NGOs and Basij as part of their national strategy for governance in the neighborhood. He says that Iran’s 80,000 mosques can support healthcare, education and community resilience initiatives.
Referring to recent successful campaigns for school building in underprivileged regions, Pezeschkian called it “a model of social participation that should encourage similar efforts across the country.”
In touch with the deepening water crisis in Tehran, he acknowledged that the problem stems from years of mismanagement and called for a scientific, long-term approach to national resource governance. “We have to stop blaming others and take responsibility,” he said.
Pezeshkian concluded by reflecting the leader’s call for national unity. “It is not a single group or ideological obligation to protect this country. Anyone who loves Iran must move forward regardless of their appearance or beliefs. War has shown that national unity is possible and necessary.”
Interior Minister Escandar Momeni, who spoke at the event, outlined the government’s “neighborhood-based governance” policy, highlighting the importance of mobilizing grassroots capabilities and managing migration in a safe and balanced way.
Governors across the country shared experiences from the war and said that delegated authority allowed for faster and more efficient decision-making. They called for institutionalization of interagency coordination to ensure that this efficiency continues in peacetime.