In a televised interview released by president.ir, Pezeshkian said his administration has worked to manage the country through what he described as one of the most difficult periods since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, relying on public support despite mounting domestic and external pressures.

The president said concerns over electricity and natural gas shortages during the winter, worsening water scarcity and an unprecedented drought in 1404 were among the government's most pressing domestic issues.

"We faced energy imbalances and concerns that people might not have access to electricity and gas during the winter," Pezeshkian said, adding that the country's water crisis deteriorated further because of severe drought conditions.

He also cited military conflict, intensified sanctions and financial restrictions as major obstacles confronting the government over the past two years, saying the administration had sought to prevent social instability while maintaining essential public services.

Addressing the concept of the people, a recurring theme of his presidency, Pezeshkian said the government considers all Iranians — regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, gender or religious beliefs — to be equal stakeholders in the country's future.

"The people are everyone who lives in this country," he said. "The government has a duty to treat all citizens fairly and administer the country on the basis of justice."

Pezeshkian reiterated that national unity, or "consensus," should not be viewed as political power-sharing among factions but as cooperation among qualified individuals capable of addressing the country's challenges.

He said appointments in government should be based on competence rather than political affiliation, arguing that merit and professional capability must be the primary criteria for public service.

The president also discussed the government's response to recent security crises, the role of national leadership during periods of instability, and efforts to facilitate the return of Iranians living abroad.

Pezeshkian said the administration has pursued measures to ease the return of expatriate Iranians, stressing that citizens should be able to enter and leave the country without unnecessary obstacles, provided there are no legal restrictions communicated before travel.

Reflecting on the broader regional and domestic situation, Pezeshkian said the government remains committed to serving the public despite economic and geopolitical pressures.

"As long as we stand with the people, no power can bring this country to its knees," he said. "We will continue to serve the Iranian people with all our strength."