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.

 



Netanyahu Says 'Shameful' of UK to Halt Some Arms Export Licences to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on January 7, 2024. (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on January 7, 2024. (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP)
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Netanyahu Says 'Shameful' of UK to Halt Some Arms Export Licences to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on January 7, 2024. (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on January 7, 2024. (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the British government made a "shameful decision" when it suspended some arms export licences to Israel.

Britain's foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday that the government had suspended 30 of 350 arms export licences with Israel due to a risk the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.

The decision, which came a day after Israeli forces recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Gaza, was quickly denounced by a number of Israeli ministers, Reuters reported.

"This shameful decision will not change Israel's determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that savagely murdered 1,200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens," Netanyahu said in a social media post.

"Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens. Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas," Netanyahu said.

"With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future."

Soon after Britain's Labor Party won an election in July, Lammy said he would update a review on arms sales to ally Israel to ensure these complied with international law.

British exports amount to less than 1% of the total arms Israel receives, and the minister said the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel's security and Britain continued to support its right to self-defense.

Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are being investigated for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the wake of the Oct. 7 by Hamas.

The Israeli response in Gaza has killed more than 40,700 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Lammy said Monday's decision was not a judgment on whether Israel had breached international law or not. Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed allegations of war crimes.