“Masoud Pezeshkian”: Even Former Detainees Stand with Iran

Masoud Pezeshkian announced in his remarks the commitment of detainees to the Islamic Republic system.

Masoud Pezeshkian spoke on Saturday, Mordad 18, on the occasion of Journalists’ Day, about the commitment of former detainees and prisoners, while critics stated that genuine unity only makes sense with media freedom.

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, in an interview with the news network on the occasion of Journalists’ Day, spoke of the formation of an “unprecedented cohesion” in recent days and claimed that this solidarity transcended political and social boundaries. He stated: “Even people whom we did not expect, some of whom we had imprisoned, and with whom we may have dealt correctly or incorrectly, came and stood with Iran.”

According to the president, during this period the government was committed to providing public services and essential goods uninterruptedly, and no shortages or deficiencies were observed in any sector. He continued that this stability in meeting essential needs and services resulted from extensive cooperation between various government agencies, including the army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the air force, and air defense.

In another part of his remarks, Pezeshkian praised journalists and media for their continuous news coverage and claimed that during the recent crisis, even individuals with different orientations and lifestyles, and those who do not align with official government views or mandatory hijab, took to the streets and voiced support for the leadership and defense of Iran’s territorial integrity. He described this approach as “an important lesson for accepting differences.”

Pezeshkian also stated: “Disagreement in society is natural and should not be interpreted as enmity. In families, between spouses, or in society, there are always differences of opinion. These differences should not lead to separation and confrontation. Media should convey the message that it is possible to focus on common ground despite differences.”

He also emphasized the role of media in strengthening the culture of dialogue and added: “If the media can promote this culture, many conflicts will be transformed into dialogue and social cohesion will be strengthened. Iran belongs to all Iranians, and whether inside or outside the country, everyone has stood to defend the nation.”

Despite these remarks, Iran’s media landscape continues to face severe restrictions for independent media. Many journalists face legal and security pressures for publishing critical views or operating outside official frameworks. Islamic Republic Radio and Television has also been criticized repeatedly by international bodies and domestic activists for one-sided news coverage and exclusion of different narratives.

Analysts say that although the president’s call for national unity can carry a positive message in crisis situations, this message will only be effective when conditions for freedom of expression are provided, and all currents—from critics to supporters—have equal opportunity for presence and expression in domestic media. Otherwise, the claimed unity will remain confined to the official narrative.