Pezeshkian Urges National Consensus as Parliament Initiates Deliberations on Cabinet Lineup

According to SAEDNEWS, In a fervent address during an open session of Parliament on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed strong support for his 19 ministerial selections, emphasizing a need for amicable resolutions to both national and international challenges rather than resorting to harsh measures.

Pezeshkian underscored the importance of loyalty among the Iranian people and asserted that the government’s honesty and transparency would reinforce trust between the state and its citizens. “The cabinet that was introduced to the parliament today is the government of national unity; the government of national unity is a government that considers itself the government of all Iranian people. The national unity government is obligated to secure the citizenship rights of all Iranians and is committed to the prioritization of national interests over any other interest,” he stated.

Call for coordinated action emerged prominently in his speech, where Pezeshkian urged all three branches of government to work together to address the public’s demands. He cautioned, “If the voices of the public are not heard in time, there will be growing frustration and disappointment, which would result in the loss of hope and the destruction of capitals.”

Highlighting the various challenges Iran faces, from economic to environmental issues, Pezeshkian lamented the “imbalances” plaguing the nation but expressed confidence that the Iranian people’s love for their country would prevail if effective solutions were pursued. “Our people showed that they love their country, and if effective procedure is pursued to solve the problems, they will turn out with all their strength,” he declared.

The president emphasized the necessity of scientific decision-making and collective wisdom in addressing the country's woes rather than relying on individual opinions. He reiterated his commitment to combating corruption and fostering an environment of open dialogue and respect for freedom of speech.

In a critical assessment of external pressures, Pezeshkian described US sanctions as the primary threat facing the Iranian nation, advocating for unity among citizens to confront this challenge. “Economy is the cornerstone of the country’s problems, but dissociating the economy from other areas and reducing it to conventional economic issues is a big mistake,” he asserted. “Today, simultaneous reforms in international relations and internal reforms are the only way out of the current situation.”

As he looks ahead, Pezeshkian is set to defend his cabinet proposal, having already submitted a list of new members on August 11. Notable figures like Abbas Araqchi and Abdolnaser Hemmati feature prominently on his list, which has garnered mixed reactions, particularly among Reformist circles. In defending his selection, he urged critics to “wait for the cabinet to start work and criticize it based on its performance.”

The upcoming discussions in Parliament promise to be pivotal as Pezeshkian and his team seek to forge a path towards recovery and unity for the Iranian populace.