Iran's president says external pressure cannot force nation to surrender

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that bombs and missiles cannot force a nation to surrender, but warned that internal division would allow the enemy to achieve its goal. He made the remarks during a ceremony marking National Nurses Day, according to Mehr News Agency (MNA).

Pezeshkian cautioned against what he described as enemy plots to exploit internal divisions and existing problems in order to weaken the country's power and unity. He said the Iranian people have decided to stand firm in the face of enemies who are increasing pressure through various means, including restrictions on transport and communication routes.

The president said the enemy believed that shortages of electricity, water and gas, fuel issues, environmental challenges, banking problems, budget deficits and pension fund issues could divide Iranian society. He stated that the people's resilience and solidarity had proven those expectations wrong.

Pezeshkian praised the sacrifice of the country's nurses and other medical staff, as well as those who stood firm in the most difficult circumstances to protect the country's security and territorial integrity. He also urged officials to avoid words or actions that could undermine national unity and called on them to employ all available resources towards reinforcing public trust.

According to Mehr News Agency, the remarks came during the National Nurses Day ceremony, where the president highlighted the role of medical staff and reiterated his call for national cohesion amid external pressures.