We will solidly counter the challenges ahead: Pezeshkian

February 11, 2026 - 17:26

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Wednesday that Iran will counter problems facing the country through national resilience under the insightful guidelines of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Pezeshkian made these remarks as millions of people took part in the rallies to enthusiastically celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, despite all the economic hardships caused by the illegal sanctions led by the United States.  

Addressing well-wishers of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, the president said the world should notice that people across Iran have poured into the streets in large numbers to express their loyalty to the values of the Islamic Revolution and announce their readiness to defend their “honorable land” in the face of military threats by the United States, Israel, and irresponsible remarks by some European countries, particularly Germany.

This year’s rallies in Iran held particular significance. The country is currently recovering from foreign-backed unrest in early January—which resulted in casualties among both security forces and civilians—while simultaneously facing a buildup of U.S. military assets, including aircraft carriers and warships, near its waters. Furthermore, Washington has issued repeated military threats against the Islamic Republic regarding its nuclear program.
Pezeshkian said the huge turnout in the rallies was an illustration of loyalty to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

“Today, the world must see how the people of Iran have come to the scene (streets) in huge numbers in all cities across the country to guard their revolution and obey the Leader (of the Islamic Revolution), a presence for defending the country, values, and protecting the great and honorable land of Iran,” the president told the huge crowd.   

The president also pointed to the philosophy behind the Islamic Revolution in 1979, saying, “Why did we make an uprising? We made an uprising to administer justice, become independent, and announce to the world that Iranians can develop their country by relying on their will, capabilities, and knowledge, as well as bringing dignity and freedom for their nation.”

The president also pointed to the plots hatched against the Islamic Revolution since the early days of its victory in 1979, saying the United States and certain European countries tried to create ethnic divisions, engineer coups, and other malicious acts in the country, but they all failed.

He also pointed to the invasion of Iran by Iraq’s Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, with the strong backing of certain foreign countries, to disintegrate Iran and annex parts of its territory. Still, he said, the Iranian nation “emerged victorious” through their “resistance and resilience.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian pointed to the media war against Iran by foreign-based outlets, saying they are spreading lies to disturb public opinion, especially among the youth. He said this media war is one of the “serious challenges” facing the country.

He also apologized to the Iranian nation for certain economic problems, vowing his government is making serious efforts to resolve problems despite all “hurdles and pressures.”

“Iran will not bow down in the face of exorbitant demands” 

The celebrations marking the revolution also came as Iran and the U.S. resumed nuclear talks in Oman on Friday, February 6, after an eight-month hiatus that followed an unprovoked and illegal war against Iran by the Zionist regime of Israel and the United States in June 2025.   

“Iran will not bow down in the face of exorbitant demands and injustice,” Pezeshkian said as the U.S. is pressing Iran to put an end to its peaceful nuclear program and put a curb on its missile program. 

"We are ready for any verification"

The president also reiterated Tehran’s stance that Iran’s nuclear program is purely peaceful.

"We have declared time and again that we are not seeking nuclear weapons and remain fully prepared for any form of verification," he noted.

Pezeshkian added, "Through their rhetoric and stances, the United States and Europe have built a tall wall of mistrust, preventing negotiations from reaching a fruitful conclusion.”

Iran and the U.S. plan to continue the talks in the next few days.

“Of course,” the president said, “these negotiations will be continued in line with the redlines set by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

“At the same time,” the president added, “Iran is taking steps in the path of peace and regional stability, especially through dialogue with neighboring countries.”

 “Unity needed more than ever before” 

The president went on to say that today national unity is needed more than any other time, an open reference to the challenges facing the country at home and abroad.  

“The realization of comprehensive development entails unity and domestic solidarity. And today, more than any other time, the country needs empathy and solidarity in the face of threats and plots that may mislead or deceive some young people.”

He also said the country needs a leader who can reconcile all different views and political tastes and lead them toward a better future. The president said only the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is the symbol of the “power” of the Islamic Republic can do this.

“This Leadership has so far been able to powerfully shield the establishment against all challenges, which is precisely why it has drawn such hostility from its adversaries,” the president remarked. 

“January 8-9 incidents caused great grief in the country” 

The president also pointed to the deadly riots on January 8 and 9 that led to the death of more than 3,100 people, saying these deaths greatly grieved the Iranian people. “These incidents caused ‘great grief’ in the country as some dear people lost their lives.”

The president indirectly suggested that what is adding salt to the wound is the spread of lies by Western media outlets and Persian-language TV channels funded by Israel about the number of people killed in the unrest.

He added, “We are obligated to apologize to the nation and tasked to help all those (families) who suffered in these events.”

Enemies seek to create deep wound in the society”

 The president said, “We have no intention to confront people. The enemies seek to create a division and a deep wound in society. Our duty is to ‘heal this wound’ and move unitedly under the guidance of the Supreme Leader to create unity to face” plots by the foes. 

 “Massive participation strengthens Iran’s position in nuclear talks ” 

Joining the marchers marking the anniversary of the revolution, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said huge participation carried a clear message to the world and strengthened Iran’s position in diplomacy and negotiations.

“We are encouraged in the fields of diplomacy and negotiations by our people and our armed forces,” he stated.

He said the participation reassures officials that they have the nation’s support and that the armed forces remain firmly committed to defending the country.

Araghchi described the anniversary as a “good day,” pointing to the “magnificent” participation and public backing for the Islamic Republic’s diplomatic path.

“Our hearts are warmed by the people, the armed forces, and the Leadership,” he said, adding that such support would translate into a stronger presence in diplomatic arenas.

He also noted that the time and location of the next round of negotiations have not yet been determined.

Some other senior officials expressed happiness over the huge rallies.

Minister of Petroleum Mohsen Paknejad, speaking on the sidelines of the rallies, congratulated the nation on the anniversary and said the Iranian people have consistently stood by the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

Referring to oil sanctions, he said his colleagues in the energy sector have developed solutions to remove existing restrictions.

“We will not face serious problems,” he said, stressing that oil sales will continue despite the measures imposed on the country.

Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh described this year’s turnout as unprecedented.

“I have never seen such an enthusiastic presence in any year,” he said. He added that the Iranian people are fully aware of global developments and took part with clear understanding.

According to Nasirzadeh, “this presence is more powerful than any bomb or missile.” Addressing threats from hostile powers, he said Iran would respond with full strength in ways “the enemies cannot imagine.”

Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib said the rallies gave concrete expression to national unity. He stated that unity has now moved from mere words to reality through public participation.

Asked how cohesion can be preserved, Khatib said the best path forward is mutual support, constructive engagement, and respectful tolerance of differing views.


 
 

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