Why it matters:
The speech comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, following recent U.S. military actions and a sustained American naval presence. Pezeshkian’s dual focus, on domestic revolutionary solidarity and proactive regional economic diplomacy, serves as a direct response. It signals that while Iran remains defiant against perceived U.S.-Israeli "sinister plans," its primary strategy is to deepen economic and political ties with neighboring Muslim nations.
The big picture:
Pezeshkian’s address underscores a critical dynamic in current Middle Eastern geopolitics. While public confrontations between Iran and the U.S./Israel capture headlines, a parallel and intensive diplomatic track is active among regional capitals. Countries from Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to Doha and Ankara are actively engaging Tehran to contain tensions and advocate for diplomatic solutions, fearing the fallout of an open conflict. Iran’s emphasis on turning these neighbors into its primary economic "markets" and partners in multilateral organizations represents a strategic pivot to embed itself in an alternative, Asia-centric network of trade and security, reducing the impact of Western sanctions and military posturing.
What he's saying:
- We are striving to rapidly implement the communication routes with neighboring countries and the corridors that have been requested by the Leader.
- Many of these corridors will be completed this year, and next year we will work to finalize their development; we are progressing rapidly.
- We are building close and brotherly ties with neighboring countries. It is the desire of Leader that we strengthen our relations with neighboring countries, which are friendly and brotherly nations.
- At a time when the enemy was attempting to conspire and aggress against us, it was these same Islamic countries that were all reaching out to us and declaring their positions.
- I express gratitude to the President and the esteemed Foreign Minister of Turkey, to the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Qatar, the UAE, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt- to all who were concerned about Iran and wanted us to resolve issues through diplomacy, and who did not allow Israel and America to carry out their sinister plans.
- They are Muslims, and this process provides a foundation for development and production.
- We need markets, and the first step in this regard is these very Islamic countries, which are our markets. Following our neighbors, we are in the process of joining agreements and treaties such as the Eurasian Union, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ECO, Islamic organizations, and others.
Go deeper:
Iranian Officials March With Nation On Revolution Anniversary
Hossein Amiri - Mahboubeh Habibi
