Iranian President Pezeshkian Urges Transparency on Costs of US Israel Tensions

In a rare public acknowledgment, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country has suffered harm from recent military confrontations with the United States and Israel. He urged government officials to be honest with the public about the costs of the conflict, rather than presenting an overly optimistic picture.

Speaking during a televised meeting of the Government Information Council, Pezeshkian called for unity while facing reality. He said leaders should avoid rhetoric that creates division but also cannot pretend the war has not hurt Iran. He criticized what he described as propaganda-style messaging, stating that the public deserves transparency. Anyone in a position of leadership must speak honestly to their people, he said, adding that misleading information or portraying a reality where the enemy is collapsing while Iran prospers is unacceptable. The truth, he noted, is that both sides face challenges.

Despite this admission, Pezeshkian balanced his remarks with a firm declaration that Iran will not bow to external pressure or sacrifice its national dignity for comfort. He asserted that Iran has valid justifications and is fully capable of defending its...