In a powerful address delivered during a gathering with intellectuals, political activists, and cultural figures in Hormozgan Province’s coastal city of Bandar Abbas on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for unwavering unity and reliance on domestic strengths to counter external pressures facing the Islamic Republic. Emphasizing the importance of faith, collective resolve, and the support of the Iranian people, Pezeshkian underscored that neither assassinations, military aggression, nor economic sanctions could force Iran to capitulate. His remarks come at a critical juncture, as Iran faces renewed international sanctions and ongoing regional tensions, particularly with Israel and its Western allies.
Pezeshkian’s speech was a clarion call for solidarity, invoking the metaphor of congregational prayer to illustrate the necessity of unity in the face of adversity. “The country’s goals, dignity, and pride must not be forgotten. We must move in a single row, toward one qibla, and under one leadership. This is the meaning of congregational prayer; unity. If this unity does not exist, that congregation will be only an empty shell,” he declared. This vivid imagery underscored his belief that Iran’s strength lies in its cohesive national spirit, guided by shared values and a collective vision.
The president’s remarks were delivered against the backdrop of decades-long hostility from foreign powers, particularly the United States and Israel, which he accused of orchestrating a campaign of assassinations, military provocations, and economic warfare to undermine Iran’s sovereignty. “The enemies think that by assassination they can bring our nation to its knees, while thousands of more worthy people are ready to take up this flag,” Pezeshkian asserted, highlighting the resilience of the Iranian people. He referenced a recent Israeli attack in June 2025, which targeted Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. This unprovoked act of aggression, he argued, was part of a broader strategy to destabilize Iran and suppress its regional influence.
Sanctions and the Nuclear Program
A significant portion of Pezeshkian’s address focused on the reimposition of international sanctions, which he described as illegal and unjust. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the United Nations Security Council reinstated sanctions against Iran that had previously been lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. These measures, which include freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms deals, and targeting Iran’s defensive missile program, were triggered through a “snapback” mechanism invoked by three European signatories to the deal—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These countries accused Iran of non-compliance with the JCPOA, despite their own failure to fulfill commitments to provide economic relief in exchange for Iran’s adherence to nuclear restrictions.
Pezeshkian rejected the notion that such sanctions could derail Iran’s progress. “Those who fear sanctions do not believe that one can continue the path by relying on God and the people,” he stated, emphasizing that Iran’s reliance on its faith and its citizens’ resilience would enable the nation to overcome external pressures. He argued that the sanctions were not only a violation of international agreements but also a tool of economic exploitation designed to weaken Iran’s resolve and hinder its pursuit of a peaceful nuclear program. The president’s defiance reflected a broader sentiment in Iran that the country’s nuclear ambitions, which it insists are for civilian purposes, are a matter of national pride and sovereignty.
The reimposition of sanctions has further strained Iran’s relations with Western powers, particularly at a time when diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA have faltered. The original agreement, signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany), aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions set off a chain of events that has led to the current standoff. Iran, in response, has gradually scaled back its compliance with the deal, arguing that the other parties have failed to uphold their obligations.
Regional Dynamics and the “Zionist Regime”
Pezeshkian’s speech also addressed broader regional dynamics, with a particular focus on what he described as the exploitation of Muslim disunity by foreign powers. He singled out Israel, which he labeled the “main enemy” of the Muslim world, accusing it of perpetrating atrocities while benefiting from the region’s resources and sowing discord among Islamic nations. “The Zionist regime, with a small population, kills women and children before the eyes of hundreds of millions of Muslims, and the reaction of some governments at best is mere condemnation. Some even secretly sit beside those criminals and exchange pleasantries,” he said, expressing frustration at the perceived inaction or complicity of certain Muslim-majority countries.
The president’s remarks were a pointed reference to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 66,200 deaths, displaced nearly the entire population, and created a humanitarian crisis over the past two years. Pezeshkian argued that such atrocities could be prevented if Muslim nations united against their common adversaries. “If Muslims were united, such atrocities would not occur,” he stated, calling for greater solidarity across the Islamic world.
He further criticized the dependency of some Muslim countries on external powers, particularly the United States and its allies, who he accused of exploiting the region’s vast oil, gas, and mineral resources. “The enemy takes our oil, gas, and mines. In return, it gives us weapons and planes to fight one another. The key to using those planes is also in its hands; if it permits, they fly; if not, they are grounded,” Pezeshkian said. This critique highlighted the economic and strategic vulnerabilities created by reliance on foreign military technology and underscored his call for self-reliance and regional cooperation.
A Call for Dialogue and Unity
In a bid to foster regional stability, Pezeshkian advocated for dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts among Islamic countries. “With all Islamic countries—from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Oman and the UAE, from Qatar and Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Turkey—problems should be solved by dialogue, not by division and war,” he said. This vision of regional unity stood in stark contrast to the current landscape of competing interests and proxy conflicts that have destabilized the Middle East for decades.
The president’s emphasis on dialogue reflects Iran’s broader foreign policy objectives, which prioritize strengthening ties with neighboring countries and reducing reliance on Western powers. In recent years, Iran has sought to mend relations with regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia, through diplomatic initiatives mediated by countries like China. These efforts aim to counterbalance the influence of the United States and Israel while fostering economic and security cooperation among Muslim-majority nations.
Pezeshkian’s reference to Israel as the “main enemy” also aligns with Iran’s longstanding position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Iran has consistently supported Palestinian resistance movements and condemned Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The president’s remarks were a reminder of Iran’s commitment to this cause, even as it navigates complex regional dynamics and seeks to avoid direct military confrontation with Israel.
Domestic Resilience and National Pride
At the heart of Pezeshkian’s message was a call for Iranians to trust in their domestic capabilities and collective strength. He urged both officials and citizens to remain steadfast in the face of external pressures, emphasizing that Iran’s dignity and pride were non-negotiable. “The country’s goals, dignity, and pride must not be forgotten,” he reiterated, framing Iran’s resistance to foreign interference as a matter of national honor.
The president’s appeal to faith and unity resonated with the audience in Bandar Abbas, a city with a rich cultural and historical significance in Iran’s southern region. Hormozgan Province, located along the Persian Gulf, is a strategic hub for Iran’s maritime trade and energy exports, making it a fitting backdrop for a speech focused on national resilience and economic self-reliance. Pezeshkian’s engagement with local intellectuals and activists also underscored his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots support.
Global Context and Future Implications
Pezeshkian’s speech comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with Iran positioned at the center of multiple geopolitical flashpoints. The reinstatement of UN sanctions has further isolated Iran economically, while its support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen has drawn criticism from Western powers and their regional allies. At the same time, Iran’s growing alignment with Russia and China reflects a strategic pivot toward non-Western powers as a counterweight to U.S. influence.
The president’s emphasis on unity and dialogue also carries implications for Iran’s domestic politics. Since taking office, Pezeshkian has sought to bridge divides within Iran’s political spectrum, appealing to both reformist and conservative factions to rally around shared national goals. His rhetoric in Bandar Abbas, which blended religious imagery with calls for self-reliance, was carefully crafted to resonate with a broad audience while reinforcing his administration’s commitment to Iran’s revolutionary ideals.
Conclusion
In his address in Bandar Abbas, President Masoud Pezeshkian articulated a vision of a united, resilient Iran capable of withstanding external pressures through faith, collective resolve, and regional cooperation. By condemning foreign exploitation, criticizing Israel’s actions, and advocating for dialogue among Muslim nations, he sought to position Iran as a leader in the fight against imperialism and division in the Islamic world. As Iran navigates renewed sanctions and ongoing regional challenges, Pezeshkian’s message serves as a rallying cry for a nation determined to chart its own path, undeterred by the threats of its adversaries.
