TEHRAN January 6, 2026 — In a rare public admission, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that he bears the blame for the issues fueling protests across the country, emphasizing that ordinary citizens, students, and workers are not at fault.
Speaking at the National Conference of Selection Agents in Tehran, Pezeshkian urged officials to engage in self-reflection and correct governmental actions. A video clip of the speech, broadcast on state television and widely shared on social media, captured the president saying:
“I believe I’m the one to blame. The student, the employee, the people—they are not to blame. As a result, we need to correct our actions.”
The remarks come amid reports of ongoing public demonstrations in Iran, driven by economic hardships, unemployment, and calls for greater freedoms. Pezeshkian, who assumed office in 2024 as a relative moderate, referenced the revolutionary principles of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, questioning whether current policies align with the Imam’s path.
“We need to see the outcome of our work to determine whether we are following the path the Imam showed us or going against it,” he added, addressing an audience of officials involved in ideological vetting processes.
The president stressed the importance of service over adding burdens to citizens, stating, “It’s your duty to serve, not to add more problems.”
The speech has sparked varied reactions online, with some praising the acknowledgment of responsibility as a step toward accountability, while others view it as an attempt to defuse tensions without substantive reforms.
The clip, originally aired on Iranian state media and highlighted by international outlets, underscores growing internal pressures on the government to address public grievances. Analysts note that such direct admissions from high-level Iranian leaders are uncommon, potentially signaling an effort to rebuild trust amid challenging economic conditions and international sanctions.
No official response from other branches of government has been issued as of yet.
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