President Pezeshkian Calls for Unified Support for Economic Reforms Amidst Critical Scrutiny
Tehran, Iran – President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly emphasized the critical need for national unity and unwavering support for the Iranian government’s economic reforms, particularly its ambitious plan to overhaul the subsidy system. Speaking in Tehran on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during a meeting with the Head and members of the Expediency Discernment Council, President Pezeshkian addressed ongoing criticism from certain media outlets and official platforms, underscoring the broad backing for these policies across key governmental bodies.
Navigating Economic Headwinds and Internal Obstacles
President Pezeshkian highlighted the challenging environment in which the government operates, describing it as an “all-out economic war” waged by external adversaries, compounded by internal challenges from currency rent-seekers and other profiteers. Despite these formidable obstacles, he stated the government remains fully committed to enhancing citizens’ livelihoods by eradicating corruption, bribery, and rent-seeking opportunities.
“While the government is diligently working to strengthen people’s welfare by eliminating corruption and simultaneously engaged in a full-scale economic war with foreign enemies and certain domestic currency profiteers,” Pezeshkian stated, “some media currents and official platforms are relentlessly undermining the government and its major economic plan to reform the subsidy system.”
The Imperative of Subsidy Reform
The President firmly defended the ongoing economic initiative to reform the subsidy system, asserting its necessity for the nation’s economic health. He noted that nearly all sectors of the establishment have fully endorsed the government’s decision, viewing its implementation as crucial and unavoidable for improving the country’s economic situation. Pezeshkian emphasized that the success of the entire governing system in achieving its objectives hinges on a shared understanding and approach to policy implementation, followed by complete and unqualified support for those executing these policies.
A Call for Systemic Cohesion and Collaboration
Pezeshkian reiterated that the government has consistently invited diverse groups, experts, and institutions for consultation on various issues, including economic matters, to foster a unified vision for policy execution. He stressed the expectation that once a consensus is reached, all voices should unite in support, refraining from “excuse-seeking” or actions that undermine the performance of the government and its ministers.
“The expectation is that we become unified and powerfully support the implementers, rather than questioning the government’s and ministers’ performance through fault-finding or obstruction,” he asserted.
Robust Implementation and Oversight Measures
Detailing the government’s proactive approach to implementing the major economic decision on subsidy reform, President Pezeshkian outlined several key measures. These include the formation of a special working group under the Central Bank, endowed with extraordinary powers for real-time monitoring and oversight of the plan’s execution. Furthermore, comprehensive provisions are being made to ensure the timely supply and distribution of essential goods, alongside stringent market control and supervision.
All relevant ministries, executive bodies, and provincial governors have been tasked with continuous engagement with stakeholders across the agricultural, industrial, commercial, and trade sectors, as well as with various segments of the public. Their mandate is to address concerns, resolve any issues or disruptions in the plan’s implementation promptly, and without delay. Pezeshkian affirmed the government’s unwavering resolve, stating, “By the grace of God, we will diligently pursue and implement this plan, and we will not retract this correct decision, which is affirmed and emphasized by all sectors.”
Strategic Alignment with the Expediency Discernment Council
President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for the strategic and valuable proposals put forth by the Head and members of the Expediency Discernment Council, which aim to enhance the implementation of national policies. He commended these suggestions as being in full alignment with the government’s approach to national governance and the advancement of its objectives. To facilitate and expedite the execution of these policies, he stressed the importance of establishing a joint working group comprising members of both the Council and the government.
Addressing Inefficient State-Owned Enterprises
In a separate but related discussion, President Pezeshkian affirmed the government’s determination to address the issue of low-yield state-owned companies. He emphasized the readiness to resolve the status of these entities, proposing the formation of a special committee with representatives from all governmental bodies and stakeholders. This committee, he indicated, would be granted special powers to decisively and seriously tackle the issue, streamlining the operations of these crucial economic assets.
