TEHRAN – In an open parliamentary session on Saturday, President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among the country's three branches of government to effectively address Iran's pressing challenges.

During the session, Iran’s Parliament commenced the formal review of the qualifications of President Pezeshkian’s proposed ministers, marking a critical step in the formation of his new administration.

President Pezeshkian voiced strong support for his 19 ministerial nominees, urging lawmakers to seek peaceful and constructive solutions to the nation's issues rather than adopting extreme measures.

He underscored the significance of maintaining honesty and transparency in government dealings, which he believes will further solidify the trust and loyalty of the Iranian people.

Addressing the Parliament, Pezeshkian described his cabinet as a "government of national unity," asserting that it represents all Iranian citizens regardless of background.

He stressed that this government is committed to upholding the rights of all citizens and prioritizing national interests above all else.

Pezeshkian called for coordinated efforts between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to meet the people's demands effectively. He warned that if the government fails to respond to public concerns in a timely manner, it could lead to widespread frustration and a potential erosion of public trust and national stability.

Highlighting the myriad challenges facing the nation, Pezeshkian pointed to significant "imbalances" in various sectors, including the economy, society, environment, education, and culture.

Despite these issues, he praised the Iranian people's enduring love for their country, expressing confidence that, with the right strategies, the public would rally behind efforts to resolve these problems.

The president also said that his administration will promote equality and establish ties with other countries based on the three principles of dignity, prudence and expediency.

“The future administration will fight the enemies of Iran’s dignity, sovereignty and independence and will work to promote social welfare,” he added.

“We should have a positive interaction with all institutions with the aim of convergence and building consensus, strengthening internal integration and prioritizing national interests over institutional, factional and sectoral interests,” Pezeshkian noted.

The president also advocated for policy-making grounded in scientific research and collective wisdom, rather than decisions driven by personal interests or preferences. He reiterated his administration's commitment to combating corruption, safeguarding freedom of speech, and fostering national dialogue.

Pezeshkian identified U.S. sanctions as the most significant threat to Iran, calling for national solidarity to overcome this challenge.

He noted that while the economy is at the heart of the country’s difficulties, it cannot be addressed in isolation from other critical areas. He argued that meaningful progress requires simultaneous reforms in both international relations and domestic policies.

“This can only be achieved with an integrated approach that considers both domestic and foreign issues, as well as the economic and political dimensions of our challenges," Pezeshkian explained. He emphasized that such an approach necessitates the cooperation and empathy of all three branches of government.

As part of the parliamentary process, President Pezeshkian had two and a half hours to defend his cabinet before lawmakers. Following his defense, five opponents and five supporters of the proposed ministers presented their arguments.

The president submitted his list of cabinet nominees to the Parliament on August 11, shortly after being sworn in by the country’s legislators.

The Parliament is expected to conclude the process of assessing the ministers’ qualifications by Wednesday when lawmakers will decide on giving their vote of confidence to the proposed cabinet.

If any of the proposed ministers fails to win a vote of confidence, the president will have up to three months to name a replacement.

While Pezeshkian’s cabinet has drawn some criticism, he has stood by his choices, urging critics to withhold judgment until the cabinet has had a chance to prove its effectiveness. He encouraged critics to evaluate the cabinet based on its performance rather than preconceptions.

As the Parliament begins its detailed review, the outcome of these sessions will be pivotal in shaping Iran's approach to both domestic and international challenges in the years ahead.