Khamenei calls for support for Pezeshkian

Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged the conservative-majority Parliament to support the incoming government of elected reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is set to take office on July 28.

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In a meeting with Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and current lawmakers, Khamenei emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Parliament and the new government. "My strong recommendation is for the Parliament to have constructive interactions with the new government. Everyone should assist the President in fulfilling his duties to the country. The success of the President and the new government is our collective success," Khamenei stated.

Highlighting the need for unity on national issues, Khamenei added, "The country's voice should be unified on important matters. The government, Parliament, and various officials should speak with one voice."

Khamenei called on the conservative Parliament to grant a vote of confidence to Pezeshkian's cabinet. "This is your urgent duty. The sooner the proposed cabinet is approved and the government starts working, the better it will be for the country. However, significant responsibilities lie with both you and the elected President," he said.

He also praised the Parliament for passing legislation during former President Hassan Rouhani's term, which aimed to increase nuclear activities and was described by Rouhani as hindering the revival of the nuclear deal. "The Parliament's presence in political and international matters is very important. A good example of this is the strategic action law," Khamenei noted.

Addressing the issue of sanctions, which was a key topic during the election process, Khamenei remarked, "The issue of lifting sanctions, which was especially popular during the election period and repeated in various statements by candidates, the public, and their supporters, is something the Parliament can genuinely influence. We can lift the sanctions with dignity, and neutralizing the sanctions is superior to lifting them. I have repeatedly said that lifting the embargo is not in your hands, but neutralizing it is. There are good ways to do this, and we have followed some of these paths and seen their effects. The Parliament can also play a role in this matter."

On another note, Khamenei stressed the importance of efforts to stop Israeli attacks on Gaza, telling officials, "The issue of Gaza remains the primary issue for the Islamic world. Do not stay calm and silent on this matter."