The president made the remarks in an address to Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran on Monday, marking the start of the new academic year for universities and research centers across the country.
Speaking to a hall of students and faculty, the president emphasized the role of Iran’s intellectual elite in overcoming national challenges and resisting external threats.
“Today, the enemy hopes Iran has weakened and sees this as the moment to strike,” he warned. “But if our elites step forward, the enemy won’t be able to do a thing.”
He expressed concern over the paradox of Iran’s vast natural and human resources, parallel with deep-rooted problems. “It is neither acceptable nor dignified that a country blessed with divine wealth faces a mountain of difficulties,” he said.
Pezeshkian rejected the blame game played by some politicians, arguing that the real issue lies in the mismanagement and underutilization of national assets. “We haven’t used what God has given us properly,” he stated. “The way out is to rely on those with knowledge, capability, and the will to solve problems.”
Addressing the academic community directly, Pezeshkian called on students and professors to focus on skill-based learning aimed at solving real-world issues.
IRNA