Pezeshkian Emphasizes Loyalty to Ali Khamenei in 'First Dialogue with the People'

Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed the presidency of the 14th government on July 6 this year through a minimal government vote, finally appeared on television on September 1 in his 'first dialogue with the people.' Without presenting a plan to address the issues, he repeatedly expressed gratitude to Ali Khamenei. The president of the 14th Islamic Republic government, who has not yet faced questions from journalists like previous government heads after the elections, stated on Saturday evening that he is aware of the problems like all Iranians and will solve them, but did not offer any solutions. He had previously emphasized absolute obedience to the Supreme Leader and mentioned Khamenei multiple times in his speech, stating that without the wishes and support of the 'Leader of the Revolution,' he likely would not be president now. Pezeshkian announced plans for foreign policy, mentioning trips to Iraq and the United States, explaining that his first trip will be to Iraq for a pilgrimage to Imam Ali. Regarding his upcoming trip to New York for the UN General Assembly, he said he would discuss it with the Leader. He also acknowledged the issue of inflation in the country and its pressure on the Iranian people, stating, 'We will do our utmost to control inflation, but it depends on what happens in the world and how we communicate internally.' On the significant public concern regarding cyberspace, he said they plan to discuss it with the Supreme Council of Cyberspace and the Supreme National Security Council to approve measures that would ease the lives of the people and the country. This comes after Pezeshkian, on September 1, following a meeting with the Supreme Leader, called for the implementation of Khamenei's order for 'proper management of cyberspace' and instructed his ministers to seriously consider Khamenei's remarks about 'proper management of cyberspace' and the 'uncontrolled' nature of this space in Iran. In response to a question about the delay in holding a press conference, he noted, 'I have no problem; I can speak with the people once a month. I am committed to what I said during the election, and I will hold a press conference next week.' Masoud Pezeshkian, who has a history of disqualification from participating in the Islamic Consultative Assembly elections, was selected by the Guardian Council as a candidate for the presidential elections after the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in June. After a 'show of competition' with five other selected candidates, he was introduced as the president of the 14th Islamic Republic government in a minimal election on July 6. Pezeshkian's promises: a political gesture or a will for change and reform? Debate between Fatemeh Haqiqatjou and Saeed Qasemi Nejad. To what extent has Pezeshkian coordinated with Khamenei for cabinet selection? Discussion with Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoeini. This cabinet is not Pezeshkian's; it is Khamenei's cabinet, analysis by Ali Afshari of the new government. Pezeshkian's cabinet solidifies Khamenei's absolute clerical authority; report by Hassan Sarbakhshian. Evaluation by Voice of America associates on the composition of Masoud Pezeshkian's cabinet. The Minister of Economy in Pezeshkian's government defended the 91 trillion tomans loan from banks to employees. Claims by the police regarding the torture and death of Mohammad Mir Mousavi: resulted from the 'excitement' and 'anger' of the officers.