TEHRAN — President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday praised the selfless efforts of industrial and production workers, saying they drove the swift rebuilding of some of the most complex parts of the country's manufacturing, oil and energy sectors, to the surprise of others and the disappointment of Iran's enemies.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, according to president.ir, Pezeshkian thanked the ministries for their work, particularly the Oil Ministry. He said hope and resilience depend on unity, solidarity and empathy among all members of society, and he urged officials to avoid anything that could create division.

Pezeshkian said livelihoods, employment and production must be the top priority for all ministers and heads of government agencies. "We must not allow the wheel of production to be harmed," he said.

If necessary, he said, unused buildings and cultural and sports facilities will be temporarily closed as part of efforts to reform consumption patterns, to keep production going. The government will cut consumption of electricity, natural gas, gasoline, water and other energy resources, he said.

Pezeshkian also described the "car-free Tuesdays" initiative as consistent with promoting a culture of not using cars at least one day a week to reduce air pollution, traffic and gasoline consumption. He said the government and its officials should lead by example.

At the start of the meeting, First Vice President Muhammad Reza Aref thanked former oil minister Mohsen Paknejad for his service and welcomed Hamid Bord as the Oil Ministry's caretaker minister.