Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, emphasizing that national unity has rendered Iran invincible despite facing economic and security challenges. Pezeshkian stated that his administration has confronted one of the most difficult periods since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, due to intensified sanctions, security hurdles, economic pressures, drought, and imposed military conflict. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian, in an interview with the IRIB at the beginning of the third year of his tenure, highlighted the multiple crises his government has faced, such as the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, persistent energy imbalances, concerns over winter electricity and gas supplies, worsening water shortages, and the country's worst drought in five decades. He also discussed renewed international pressure, including the snapback mechanism and a 12-day conflict aimed at destabilizing Iran. Pezeshkian not ed that foreign adversaries underestimated Iran's resilience, expecting the country to be overwhelmed within days. However, the Iranian people's resilience proved them wrong. Pezeshkian referred to the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack on February 28th. Despite expectations of collapse, the country endured, fortified by the new Leader's strength. He highlighted Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei's exceptional morality and logic, commending his patience and kindness revealed through candid dialogue. The president stressed his administration's priority to prevent social fragmentation and ensure continuity in public services throughout these developments. He praised Iranians from various backgrounds for maintaining unity despite economic hardship and political grievances, attributing national stability to their restraint. Pezeshkian criticized the expansion of sanctions beyond trade restrictions, targeting Iran's banking and financial systems, and complic ating the country's situation with military and security pressures. He questioned the selective international standards on human rights, addressing the targeting of Iranian military commanders, scientists, and civilians. He pointed out that universities, aerospace facilities, artificial intelligence centers, and scientific figures had become targets due to Iran's technological and scientific progress, which is perceived as a challenge by adversaries. On domestic affairs, Pezeshkian emphasized his administration's efforts to avoid policies that could heighten social tensions, noting that careful decision-making had helped maintain public calm during sensitive times. He called for facilitating the return of Iranians living abroad, advocating for their ability to enter and leave the country without unnecessary obstacles. Authorities, he suggested, should inform individuals in advance about legal restrictions on entry, avoiding detentions upon arrival. Addressing the winter unrest following previous protests, Pezeshkian remarked that legitimate public concerns had been exploited by groups seeking violence. He rejected foreign media casualty figures as exaggerated, urging those with additional evidence to come forward. Despite these challenges, Pezeshkian expressed confidence that Iran would continue to overcome external pressure through public solidarity, improved governance, and ongoing investment in scientific and technological capabilities.