Pejman: We Need $100 Billion in Foreign Investment and Global Connections

Masoud Pejman, in his first television interview, reiterated the role of the Supreme Leader in his selection, emphasizing the need for foreign investment and connections with the world and Iranians abroad. He stated that achieving an 8% growth rate is impossible without resolving the current imbalances in electricity and banking. The President of Iran mentioned in the interview aired on Saturday night, September 1st, that to reach an 8% growth, $200 billion in investment is necessary. He added, 'The total money we have in the country is more than $100 billion, so we need $100 billion in foreign investment, which relates to our communications with the outside world, with neighbors, and with Iranians abroad.' Pejman had previously stated that achieving an 8% growth is not possible without foreign relations. Attaining an 8% economic growth was one of the goals outlined in the sixth and seventh development plans and was frequently referenced during electoral debates. However, according to World Bank data, Iran's economic growth is expected to decline in the coming years. The World Bank predicts that Iran's GDP grew by 5% last year, but this figure will drop to 3.2% this year and further decrease to 2.4% by 2026. The last time Iran's economic growth exceeded 8% was in 2016, following the approval of the JCPOA. In his television interview, Pejman also referred to the current energy imbalance, stating, 'First, we must resolve the energy imbalance; achieving 8% growth is impossible with imbalances in electricity or banks.' He emphasized that 'the economy is related to external issues' and said, 'We must resolve internal disputes, problems with neighbors, and the world.' The President of Iran expressed gratitude multiple times to Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, stating, 'If it weren't for the Supreme Leader with his open vision, we might have been eliminated as well.' He also mentioned that he would seek Khamenei's opinion regarding his trip to New York and participation in the UN General Assembly. Pejman referred to sanctions several times during the interview, while also stating, 'Dealing with people has nothing to do with sanctions' and 'we must treat people kindly.' This first television interview of Masoud Pejman aired amid reports of ongoing pressures on students and professors, as well as violent confrontations with citizens. The police admitted to the role of unprofessional behavior and 'lack of anger control' in the death of Mir-Mousavi, who died in police custody due to 'severe beating,' along with the release of videos showing extremely violent encounters with law enforcement. The severe government crackdown and the risk of protests becoming 'underground' are highlighted by accounts from doctors and eyewitnesses regarding the injuries sustained during protests.