Iranian leadership emphasis on national cohesion

Iranian officials have recently emphasized the importance of national and social cohesion in the face of external pressures.

In Khuzestan, Governor Seyyed Mohammadreza Movallizadeh stated that a “spirit of resistance” and national unity are essential for the country to overcome challenges and achieve progress. He noted that Iran’s diplomatic approach is based on dignity and independence, which helps prevent defeat from external pressures.

Marking Government Week, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a directive prohibiting any actions or rhetoric that could harm social cohesion. While praising President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration for managing energy and goods despite sanctions and conspiracies from the “American-Zionist enemy,” Khamenei warned against discourse that “spreads despair and weakens national and public motivation.” He specifically criticized the focus on national weaknesses and warned against “imaginary dualisms,” such as debates between war and negotiation or consensus and extremism.

Khamenei identified several economic priorities for the government to counter expanded US sanctions targeting digital assets, technology, and shipping. These priorities include addressing inflation, unemployment, and price management, alongside the gradual reduction of US dollar dependency through a “resistance economy.”