TEHRAN – President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday Iran will succeed only through unity, adding that the prerequisite for success is empathy and addressing the needs of the people.
Pezeshkian said people should contribute to all internal affairs because they can bring about change in the country.
The president-elect recounted that when he served as health minister, he set a goal of building 500 health centers within two months. Although managers and officials argued that the objective was not achievable, 600 health centers were built in six months, he said.
Pezeshkian stressed the importance of voter turnout in the elections, noting that it will improve the country’s security. He said Iranian people today are the same ones who voted for the Islamic establishment by 98%.
He emphasized his belief in justice and fairness, stating that his upcoming administration will prioritize observing people’s rights in terms of gender, religion, race, economy, culture, and politics.
Pezeshkian said his administration will serve the people and make the country a frontrunner in the region within the framework of the policies designated by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian law.
 On Tuesday, Pezeshkian expressed Iran’s solidarity with the Palestinians, describing them as the “flag-bearers” of resistance in these hard times.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in response to a congratulatory message from Ziad al-Nakhalah, the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad resistance movement, on his election as the ninth president of the Islamic Republic.
“The people and government of Iran, guided by the teachings of the late Imam Khomeini and the directives of the Leader of Islamic Revolution, stand with the Palestinian people,” Pezeshkian stated.
“We support their struggle for the liberation of Al-Quds, the dismantling of the Zionist regime, and the achievement of their fundamental rights.”
The president-elect said the oppressed people of Gaza, who are currently enduring Israel’s barbarous campaign, have shown “extraordinary resilience” with the help of God.
The Palestinian people are recognized globally “as symbols of resistance and patience in the face of adversity,” he said.