Iran's President Pezeshkian Says Country Will Not Accept Bullying or Unfair Treatment

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that Iran will not accept bowing to bullies and unfair treatment, but that achieving dignity and strength is impossible without science and knowledge. He made the remarks at a national ceremony marking the start of the 2026-2027 agricultural year, where he emphasized the need to advance scientific knowledge, improve productivity, and make greater use of modern technology.

"We will not accept bowing to bullies and unfair treatment, but achieving this dignity and strength is impossible without science and knowledge. We cannot remain ignorant while making grand statements," Pezeshkian said. He also addressed pessimistic predictions by Iran's adversaries about the country's economic and livelihood conditions. According to the president, some had warned that the country would face severe disruptions and deadlock by May unless certain measures were taken. However, he said, the government had relied on domestic capabilities and confidence in its managers to overcome obstacles. "They created obstacles, but we stood firm and the way forward opened up," Pezeshkian said, adding that sanctions could be overcome if the country pursued shared goals and a common resolve while improving productivity.

Pezeshkian stressed that Iran needed to make better use of its resources, including water and soil, and improve agricultural efficiency. Falling behind other countries in these areas was unacceptable, he said. He called on managers to identify the country's existing capabilities, draw on the expertise of scientists and specialists, and learn from successful international experiences to address shortcomings and promote development. He said the first step was to acknowledge that the current situation was not satisfactory and then examine how other countries had achieved better results.

The ceremony was held on the occasion of Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Day, according to Mehr News. The president's comments come amid ongoing tensions with the United States, though he did not specifically mention US-Iran talks in his remarks. Pezeshkian's emphasis on self-reliance and domestic capabilities reflects the government's approach to countering external pressures, including sanctions. The report by Mehr News added that the president's remarks were made during a ceremony focused on agriculture, highlighting the administration's focus on improving productivity and scientific advancement in the sector.