TEHRAN — President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday emphasized Iran’s commitment to technological self-reliance, economic reform, and national defense, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic innovation while addressing systemic economic and administrative challenges.
In Tehran, Pezeshkian toured the 16th Iran International Nano Technology Exhibition and the inaugural FarIran Exhibition for Emerging Technologies, held at the Tehran International Exhibition Center. 
The events brought together more than 150 technology companies, including 80 knowledge-based Iranian products in sectors ranging from health, energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and software to advanced materials. 
The exhibitions, organized by the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, aim to support homegrown technological solutions to national challenges and to showcase Iran’s growing expertise in strategic and scientific domains.
During the visit, Pezeshkian personally examined innovations in scientific, industrial, and medical sectors, praising the efforts of Iranian researchers, engineers, and innovators. 
He emphasized that technological products must serve dual purposes: ensuring profitability and providing social value. 
“We must not only enhance the quality and export potential of these products but also ensure they are applied to deliver services to citizens, particularly in underserved areas of the country,” he said. 
He further encouraged ministries and corporations to actively support knowledge-based companies as part of their social responsibilities, noting that such support is critical to the development of the country’s scientific and industrial ecosystem.
Hussein Afshin, Vice President for Science and Technology, explained that the FarIran Exhibition was designed to promote domestic technological solutions that address complex national problems.
Afshin said that the products on display could save Iran $1.35 billion in foreign currency and reduce government expenditures by 200 trillion tomans ($1.8 billion). He added that the total market value of the products is estimated at 110 trillion tomans (about $1 billion). 
“All products introduced to the president today represent one year of sustained effort by Iranian experts and innovators,” Afshin noted.
The exhibitions also included specialized panels, cultural and technological displays, and discussions aimed at fostering collaboration among researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders, while highlighting practical applications for new technologies in areas such as healthcare, energy efficiency, agriculture, environmental protection, and industrial production.
On Monday, Pezeshkian traveled to Kerman, where he met with the provincial governor and members of the local parliamentary delegation to address economic and administrative challenges. 
Speaking on national economic concerns, he identified inflation as one of the most pressing issues facing the country, linking it to the uncontrolled expansion of government bureaucracy. 
“Merely increasing administrative staff or creating new offices has exacerbated inefficiencies rather than solving systemic problems,” he said.
Pezeshkian stressed the need for structural reform and improved management of government resources. He highlighted initiatives aimed at optimizing Iran’s railway network to reduce domestic fuel consumption and to lower transportation costs across urban and intercity routes. 
He also urged more efficient use of office space, lighting, and energy in public buildings, noting that better resource management could significantly reduce government expenditure. 
“To solve systemic problems, reform must start with ourselves — from our offices and our immediate workplaces,” he said.
Addressing regional cooperation, Pezeshkian said that Iran could transform external pressures and sanctions into opportunities by leveraging the capacities of neighboring countries. 
“By using the capacities of our numerous neighbors effectively, we can mitigate sanctions and turn challenges into opportunities for reinforcing regional collaboration,” he noted. He also called for unity among Islamic nations in the face of external threats.
On national defense, Pezeshkian underscored that Iran does not seek war but remains vigilant. “Our defensive strength today is not comparable to the period before the recent 12-day war,” he said. 
“Any hostile action by adversaries will receive a rapid, decisive, and painful response.” He described Iran’s defense capabilities as a deterrent, ensuring that the country can protect its sovereignty while pursuing scientific and economic development.
Pezeshkian also highlighted the role of modern technologies in improving public services. Using healthcare as an example, he noted that telemedicine and remote diagnostics could reduce the need for building new hospitals in every city. 
“Specialists can examine and treat patients remotely and, if necessary, refer them to advanced medical centers,” he said. He added that these innovations could also help expand access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas.