Pezeshkian and the Divinity of Mithra

While the Persian word Mehr is commonly understood today as affection, kindness, or the sun, in ancient Iranian thought it held a far more profound meaning. Stemming from the Avestan Miθra and Sanskrit Mitra, the term fundamentally signifies "Covenant" or "Contract"—denoting oaths, pacts, and solemn promises. The divinity Mithra personifies this cosmic covenant: ever-watchful from the heights, incorruptible, defender of the faithful, and avenger of broken vows.

In the Zoroastrian tradition, the festival of Mehregan celebrated fidelity to sworn covenants. In this edition of Masoudnameh, we recall the wisdom of ancient Iran regarding fidelity to promises and the catastrophe of broken covenants. In the Mihr Yasht (Karda 1, Verse 2), Ahura Mazda warns Zarathustra:

“O Spitama! The covenant-breaker brings ruin unto the entire country... Break not your covenant, neither that which you make with the unrighteous nor that which you make with the righteous; for a covenant is binding upon both.”

Ancient Iranian philosophy established that keeping faith transcends private friendships: it is the bedrock of internal statecraft and international diplomacy. In Mihr Yasht (Karda 29, Verse 115 and Karda 5, Verse 18), we are reminded:

“If the master of a house, the headman of a village, the governor of a province, or the sovereign of a realm breaks the covenant, wrathful Mithra shall bring ruin upon that house, village, province, and realm.”

In the hierarchy of sacred oaths, pacts between nations and solemn covenants between a ruler and his people hold supreme sanctity. The enduring welfare and legitimacy of a state depend fundamentally upon the ethical fidelity of its leaders to their word.

Among modern Iranian presidents, none has spoken more frequently of honesty, truthfulness, and keeping promises than Masoud Pezeshkian. Yet as chief executive, he has repeatedly failed to fulfill his core campaign pledges—from lifting internet filtering to pursuing constructive global engagement.

In foreign policy, when international pressures mount, the state is expected to act as a shield protecting its citizens, balancing external contraction with internal social openness rather than taking out external frustrations upon its own populace.

Mr. President, if your hands are tied and you cannot assist the youth, at least let them be—do not allow state agents to raid and shutter their small businesses. Religious texts and ancient Iranian wisdom alike warn against breaking faith with the public. Do not tread a path where your words echo Pezeshkian, but your deeds mirror Jalili.