“We have not resolved the issues,” Fatemeh Mohajerani noted, adding that “As the President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, we have merely offered temporary relief, but quick fixes are no longer effective,” according to a report from Shana, quoting IRNA.

Mohajerani speaking at a Student Day ceremony on Monday at the National University of Skills, addressed the causes of recent electricity outages, explaining that, “To produce electricity, we need fuel. According to Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, as of early September 2024, the country’s diesel reserves were at 40-45% of their capacity compared to early September last year.”

She went on to say that this means we have 55-60% less reserves stating that numbers don’t lie: the population and the number of utility connections have increased, and so has consumption.

The official added, “When about 75% of the country’s natural gas production is consumed domestically, we might be forced to make tougher decisions.”

The spokesperson characterized the imbalances as the result of a long-term process and stressed, “We need collective wisdom and national unity. Capable young individuals should certainly have roles in the cabinet, but governance is not limited to the cabinet.”

Mohajerani underscored the importance of transparency, saying, “We must openly discuss challenges and recognize that no government can succeed without the support of the people.”

The official went on to say that governance must be with and for the people and we are not the guardians of the people; rather, we will solve problems together with them.

“Addressing significant societal issues and resolving structural imbalances is impossible without public cooperation,” Mohajerani noted.