TEHRAN -- President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that the economy and people’s livelihoods have become “the most important battlefield” in s a full-scale war against the country, warning that economic pressure now poses the greatest threat to national stability and calling for unity across all branches of government.
Speaking at a meeting of Iran’s Supreme Judicial Council, Pezeshkian said, “The reality is that today the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in a full-scale war. Today’s war is not merely a war of missiles.”
“The enemy has concluded that it cannot force the Iranian nation to surrender through military attacks,” he said. “The most important battlefield today is the economy and people’s livelihoods.”
He warned that while Iran’s armed forces continue defending the country militarily, economic pressure could undermine national cohesion if it fuels public discontent.
“In the military arena, the armed forces defend the country with strength,” he said. “But if economic pressures lead to social dissatisfaction and that dissatisfaction expands, the immense social capital that the people have created in support of the system could be damaged.”
Pezeshkian described justice as the foundation of governance and said no political system can endure without it.
“The survival of governments depends on the fair implementation of the law and the protection of people’s rights,” he said. “I believe the most important factor that can preserve a government is the establishment of justice. If that framework does not exist, no system or structure can survive.”
He acknowledged that Iran faces serious structural inequalities and pledged that his administration would continue pursuing reforms despite difficult circumstances.
“Today we are confronted with inequalities and injustice in areas such as electricity, water, gas, payment systems, privileges, appointments and many other sectors,” he said. “The government is gradually reforming these structures.”
The president stressed that Tehran must simultaneously confront foreign pressure and address domestic challenges.
“Our enemies are using every means to block our path of progress and prevent the Islamic Republic from moving forward with
 dignity, strength and independence,” he said. “Therefore, we must confront the enemy’s conspiracies while at the same time solving our internal problems.”
Calling for national unity, Pezeshkian said, “More than anything else, we need unity, understanding, a common language and a shared outlook.”
He added that once decisions are reached collectively, all institutions should stand behind them.
“Before making decisions, we must consult carefully and rely on expert opinions,” he said. “But once a collective decision is made, everyone must accept responsibility for its consequences. That is the true meaning of collective wisdom.”
The president also defended Iran’s diplomatic track, dismissing claims that negotiations had compromised the country’s interests.
“The reality is that in none of the fourteen clauses of that understanding did we retreat from our rights, our principles, our national interests, the values of the Revolution or our beliefs,” he said.
“Not only was no concession made against the country’s interests, but after carefully reviewing the agreement, most of the achievements were in favor of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
He argued that critics often ignored the facts.
“Some people raise issues without paying attention to realities,” he said. “Many of these statements are simply far from the existing realities.”
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran would continue defending its national interests regardless of the costs involved.
“We will stand in defense of the country and the nation’s interests to the very end,” he said. “But at the same time, we must be realistic and accept the natural consequences of this resistance.”
“When we decide to stand against the enemy, we must also accept the consequences of that decision,” he added. “We cannot expect that under wartime conditions society will face no hardship.”
The president praised the government’s management of essential supplies during recent wartime conditions, saying authorities had prevented shortages despite multiple simultaneous challenges.
“A war of this magnitude took place, yet people did not face a serious crisis in markets, hospitals, medicine or essential goods,” he said. “There may have been price increases, but these resulted from economic conditions and imposed restrictions, not from government neglect.”
Pezeshkian also called for greater flexibility in wartime administration.
“Today we are in wartime conditions, and the country cannot be managed according to ordinary procedures,” he said. “Managers must be able to make decisions instantly rather than later being questioned for failing to observe administrative formalities.”
He stressed that Iran’s governance requires a single final authority.
“Every management system must have a final decision-making authority,” he said. “In the Islamic Republic of Iran, that authority is the Leader.”
Pezeshkian returned to the themes of justice and unity.
“As far as our ability and understanding allow, we will strive to make justice the basis of decision-making and action,” he said. 
“Today, more than ever, the country needs unity, cohesion, solidarity and cooperation among all pillars of the system, and the government will continue using all its capacities to strengthen that unity while reforming unjust structures and serving the people.”