Iran’s President Faces Public Distrust Amid Criticism of Decades-Long Failures

Iran is currently grappling with a significant economic crisis and energy shortages, leading to a growing distrust among the public towards the government. President Masoud Pezeshkian has openly acknowledged the people’s concerns, stating that trust is essential for effective governance.

During a recent speech, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of understanding the public’s sentiments, saying, “People will not trust us if we lure them into traps and fabricate legal cases against them. We can only understand the people’s concerns when they trust us.” His remarks were reported by the centrist Entekhab news website.

In a separate address on Thursday, while visiting Iran’s southeastern shores by the Sea of Oman, Pezeshkian remarked, “In other countries, people are exploring ways to reach Mars, while we are still struggling to build a simple road. We need to set our sights on greater ambitions.”

The situation has become dire, as Tehran Province completely shut down its schools and government offices on Saturday due to a severe natural gas shortage. This has been echoed in two-thirds of the country, highlighting the widespread impact of the crisis. Since September, Iran’s currency has plummeted, losing 33% of its value due to significant setbacks in Lebanon and Syria.

Pezeshkian also addressed the pressing challenges in Sistan-Baluchistan, one of the nation’s poorest provinces, stating, “Here, we need to address the health and education needs of 1.5 million people. We require so many classrooms.” He expressed disappointment that many public health issues in the province have remained unresolved since he served his compulsory military duty there 46 years ago.

The president noted his reluctance to participate in meetings and gatherings, stating, “I cannot promise something I cannot do.” This statement comes as his administration considers relocating Iran’s capital to Sistan-Baluchistan.

In a report by the reformist website Rouydad24, there was a comparison made between the ambitious statements of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and recent comments by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The report highlighted that declining oil revenues, exacerbated by sanctions and international tensions, have left Iran struggling to meet its energy needs and manage basic services like urban waste collection.

Interestingly, Ghalibaf, who served as the Mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017, seems to overlook the challenges faced during his tenure, despite oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel at that time. This inconsistency raises questions about the effectiveness of past leadership in addressing persistent urban issues.

Many officials in Iran are not blind to the public’s grievances. Reports frequently emerge about pollution, poverty, and resource shortages, with officials sometimes sounding more like opposition figures than those in power for decades.

The Pezeshkian administration’s response to Tehran’s major challenges, such as water shortages and pollution, includes a proposal to relocate the capital to the shores of the Sea of Oman. During his recent visit to the area, he highlighted the complete lack of infrastructure.

However, this plan has faced criticism. Iranian ecologist Hossein Akhani, writing for Khabar Online, questioned the feasibility of relocating the capital, arguing that Iran has failed to establish even a single livable small town in the past fifty years. He posed a critical question: “Who is going to build a capital for you? You have alienated all the experts and academics.”

Akhani further warned that the proposed new capital site faces significant environmental challenges, including freshwater shortages, rising temperatures, and declining rainfall. He stressed that the region’s fragile ecological state makes development unfeasible.

He also provided broader observations, stating, “None of Iran’s existing cities meet the conditions required to serve as the country’s capital. They lack standard transportation systems, proper garbage collection and recycling facilities, and efficient energy management systems.” He concluded emphatically, “The capital is not going anywhere.”

In summary, the Iranian leadership faces mounting pressure due to economic crises, energy shortages, and public distrust. The proposed relocation of the capital and the administration’s response to pressing issues will significantly influence the nation’s future trajectory.