Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged to follow the path of General Qassem Soleimani, calling for unity and an end to internal divisions to counter “enemy conspiracies.”
His remarks came on the fifth anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination in a US airstrike ordered by then-President Donald Trump.
At a ceremony held by the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran on Thursday, Pezeshkian praised Soleimani’s work as commander of the Quds Force, the Guard’s foreign arm, and urged Iranians to stand together.
“We must not let the enemies’ plans succeed,” he said in a speech broadcast on state TV.
“Unity and solidarity are the continuation of Soleimani’s mission,” he added.
Pezeshkian claimed Soleimani worked for Islamic unity while enemies tried to exploit divisions.
“The enemy seeks to create rifts among Muslims. We must stop this by serving all people,” he said.
He blamed internal conflicts on selfishness, adding that Soleimani stayed loyal to the Supreme Leader and avoided political factions.
Pezeshkian stressed that unity under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s guidance is key to success and overcoming the country’s challenges.
“We must address these issues,” he said, pledging to work towards justice and a better future for Iran, focusing on progress in industry, science, economy, and technology.
Pezeshkian also criticized Israel, Europe, and the US for killing Soleimani and his companions five years ago.
He did not mention then-President Donald Trump by name but vowed, “We will confront our enemies and push their faces into the dirt.”
His comments came after Khamenei defended Soleimani’s regional strategy, highlighting his efforts to form armed groups and counter US influence in the Middle East.
Khamenei also defended Iran’s role in Syria, arguing that it was part of a broader strategy to strengthen resistance against enemies.
Khamenei’s statements were in response to criticism of Iran’s involvement in Syria, especially after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. He rejected claims that the Iranian bloodshed in Syria had been in vain.
As Trump starts his second term on January 20, questions remain about US-Iran relations, especially regarding Iran's nuclear program, as the country has made significant progress in uranium enrichment.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian advisor, Abdolali Zadeh, suggested that Iran is ready for direct talks with the US, urging a new foreign policy approach.
“We must engage honestly and defend our national interests,” he said.
