Pezeshkian Calls for Major Reforms to Address Iran’s Challenges

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)
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Pezeshkian Calls for Major Reforms to Address Iran’s Challenges

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for significant reforms in various sectors, stating that “the people’s satisfaction is the first and most important step.”
At the same time, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cautioned against hindering the new government, which is supported by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Speaking to merchants in northeastern Iran, Pezeshkian said: “In any plan we pursue, we must consider the vulnerable and ensure they are not harmed by development. We cannot allow our actions to push the people into crises.”
Using his background in surgery, Pezeshkian likened the country’s problems to medical issues needing surgical intervention but did not offer specific solutions.
“The people want to stay connected with their leaders. Our job now is to earn their trust. Any plan we undertake must involve them,” he said.
He stressed that while there are big tasks ahead, it is crucial to show that these efforts are for the people's benefit.
Pezeshkian also highlighted the poverty in eastern and western regions despite their resources, calling for justice and cooperation to remove obstacles.
He advocated for giving more authority to provincial governors, arguing that decentralization is necessary.
However, he warned that granting power without a clear plan could lead to chaos.
“We need to know what we’re building before we give authority to those responsible,” he said.
Pezeshkian stressed that for his government to succeed, trade and industry must flourish.
“If my government is to continue, these sectors must thrive; otherwise, my leadership is meaningless,” he stated.
He emphasized that the government’s role is to create a safe and supportive environment for businesses.
Pezeshkian plans to visit several countries, starting with Iraq and Turkmenistan.
“We’re discussing what we should focus on with them. If we can establish a good environment for trade and exports at our borders, we can achieve economic growth,” he affirmed.
“As I visit different nations, my job is to pave the way for better trade,” confirmed Pezeshkian.
He has directed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade to prepare plans for his meetings abroad.
“If we use these opportunities wisely, we can boost the economy, create jobs, and solve many problems,” he added.
Pezeshkian emphasized that these visits will only be successful with cooperation across the government and a shared vision for trade, the economy, and industry.
Earlier this week, in his first official television interview, Pezeshkian stated that the country needs $100 billion in foreign investment to achieve an 8% growth rate.
He emphasized that this goal hinges on the country’s relationships abroad—with the world, neighbors, and the Iranian diaspora.

 



South Korean President Arrested Over Failed Martial Law Bid

15 January 2025, South Korea, Seoul: A TV screen at Seoul Station, shows a report that police and the anti-corruption agency executed a second warrant to detain impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection to his short-lived imposition of martial law. Photo: -/YNA/dpa
15 January 2025, South Korea, Seoul: A TV screen at Seoul Station, shows a report that police and the anti-corruption agency executed a second warrant to detain impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection to his short-lived imposition of martial law. Photo: -/YNA/dpa
TT

South Korean President Arrested Over Failed Martial Law Bid

15 January 2025, South Korea, Seoul: A TV screen at Seoul Station, shows a report that police and the anti-corruption agency executed a second warrant to detain impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection to his short-lived imposition of martial law. Photo: -/YNA/dpa
15 January 2025, South Korea, Seoul: A TV screen at Seoul Station, shows a report that police and the anti-corruption agency executed a second warrant to detain impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection to his short-lived imposition of martial law. Photo: -/YNA/dpa

Impeached South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday over his failed martial law bid, ending a weeks-long standoff with authorities and becoming the first president to be detained in the nation's history.

Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection over his short-lived effort to impose martial law last month, said he would comply with investigators to avoid "bloodshed.”

A former prosecutor who led the conservative People Power Party (PPP) to election victory in 2022, Yoon could face the death penalty or life in jail if he is found guilty of insurrection.

He had sought to evade arrest for weeks by remaining in his residential compound, protected by members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) who had remained loyal to him.

His guards had installed barbed wire and barricades at the residence, turning it into what the opposition called a "fortress.”

Yoon, who had vowed to "fight to the end,” managed to thwart a first arrest attempt on January 3 following a tense hours-long impasse between the guards and anti-graft investigators working with police.

But before dawn on Wednesday, hundreds of police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office again surrounded the residence, some scaling perimeter walls and hiking up back trails to reach the main building.

After a standoff of about five hours, authorities announced Yoon had been arrested and the impeached leader released a pre-recorded video message.

"I decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office," Yoon said in the message, adding that he did not accept the legality of the investigation but was complying "to prevent any unfortunate bloodshed.”

AFP said that Yoon left his residence in a convoy and was taken to the offices of the Corruption Investigation Office.

Investigators began questioning Yoon shortly after his arrest, Yonhap reported.