Iran defied plan to become ‘Venezuela’, says President Masoud Pezeshkian

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is facing a difficult economic and military situation but has remained resilient, arguing that national unity prevented what he described as an attempt by Iran’s enemies to push the country towards a Venezuela-like crisis.

Speaking at a ceremony, Pezeshkian said Iran was operating under what he called illegal wartime conditions while continuing efforts to provide services and support to its people.

The president portrayed the country as facing simultaneous economic and security challenges, but said the Iranian public had remained united despite the pressure.

According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s opponents wanted to see the country weakened and destabilised. He argued that the unity of the Iranian people had instead helped Iran emerge as a stronger force.

“Today, we are in a state of economic and military war,” Pezeshkian said, while stressing that the government was continuing to work for citizens despite the difficult circumstances.

His comments came as Tehran has faced intense pressure over its economic situation and wider confrontation with the United States and its allies.

Pezeshkian said Iran’s adversaries had intended to turn the country into “Venezuela”, apparently referring to the severe economic and political difficulties that have affected Venezuela over the past decade.

He claimed that the plan had failed because Iranians had maintained a united position in the face of the challenges.

The president also referred to a memorandum of understanding reached amid the difficult circumstances. He said the agreement had been shaped by the country’s determination to protect its interests while seeking a way forward through diplomacy.

According to Pezeshkian, experts had described the memorandum as being based on “prudence, dignity and wisdom”. He argued that those criticising the agreement did not fully understand the circumstances surrounding it.

The remarks suggest that Iran’s leadership is attempting to present the agreement as a strategic decision rather than a concession under pressure.

Pezeshkian’s comments also come against the backdrop of signals that Tehran may be seeking a way to end its confrontation with Washington from a position it considers strong. Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that any diplomatic arrangement must protect the country’s national interests and sovereignty.

For Pezeshkian, domestic unity remains central to navigating the crisis. He argued that despite economic hardship and military pressure, the country had avoided the collapse that its opponents allegedly expected.

The president’s message was therefore aimed not only at Iran’s external rivals but also at domestic critics of the memorandum.

As pressure on Iran continues, Tehran faces the difficult task of managing economic challenges while maintaining political cohesion and determining whether diplomacy can reduce tensions.

Pezeshkian’s latest remarks underline his argument that Iran’s resilience, rather than isolation, will shape the next phase of the country’s confrontation with its adversaries.