President frames unrest as result of external pressure, internal discord

President Masoud Pezeshkian framed Iran’s economic strains as the product of foreign pressure and internal division on Wednesday, calling for greater unity within the establishment as protests and strikes continued in multiple cities.

Speaking at a Central Bank general assembly meeting, Pezeshkian said the country faced “external pressure from the enemies of the country” and argued that internal disputes were worsening the situation.

“Unfortunately, inside the country, instead of synergy and support, some positions and actions cause weakening and harm.”