Pezeshkian: Nation’s courage foiled enemy plot during Israeli aggression

President Masoud Pezeshkian has hailed the national unity and public resilience shown during Israel’s recent military aggression against the country, saying the nation’s courage rendered the enemy’s conspiracies ineffective.

Speaking Tuesday at a ceremony honoring the staff of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare for their efforts during the 12-day war, Pezeshkian said that although the country lost numerous invaluable lives in the war, the solidarity and cohesion that emerged among the people were even more precious.

“The Zionist regime believed that by assassinating commanders of our armed forces, who had dedicated their lives to Iran’s dignity, it could destabilize our system,” he said.

“But the wisdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the immediate appointment of successors, along with the powerful response of our armed forces, thwarted their plot.”

Israel attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression on June 13, assassinating military commanders and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes and killing civilians in air raids on residential areas. The war came amid ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington on Iran’s civilian nuclear program.

Pezeshkian further noted that the Iranian people demonstrated unprecedented bravery and resolve during this period.

“The enemy expected public dissatisfaction and unrest to follow shortly after its strikes. They hoped to see the Islamic Republic collapse. But the people stood firm and defeated its plots,” he added.

He also underscored the importance of the unity forged during the war, saying it extended even to those previously alienated from the system, such as former detainees or individuals who had left the country out of dissatisfaction. “Even they rose to defend the country,” he said.

Describing this national cohesion as an invaluable asset, Pezeshkian expressed regret that a small minority had instead chosen the “disgrace of betrayal” by supporting “a savage, criminal, genocidal regime.”

“Indeed, we lost dear lives, but the unity and empathy we gained are priceless,” the president added.