Act as the President, Mr. Pezeshkian

Drawing upon the timeless counsel of classic Persian political thought, Chapter Forty-Two of the Qabusnameh by Amir Onsor ol-Ma'ali Keikavus provides profound wisdom on the essence of governance:

“Speak little and laugh sparingly, so that subordinates do not grow insolent against you; for it is said that the worst affliction for a sovereign is the disobedience of his entourage. Maintain your dignity so that you are not diminished in the eyes of the army and citizenry... be merciful unto God’s creatures, yet show no leniency toward the unmerciful, but act with firm statecraft.”

These words emphasize that maintaining authority and firm composure is indispensable to effective statecraft. While a president must cultivate genuine empathy with citizens, he must decisively wield his constitutional authority and never allow rival factions to exploit personal modesty.

Masoud Pezeshkian assumed the presidency championing "National Consensus" (Vefagh-e Melli) with an exceptionally humble demeanor. In early addresses to military commanders, lawmakers, and clerical authorities, he introduced himself by declaring: “I see no superiority in myself over you; when people treat me as someone important, I feel afraid. I am just like you, the same person... If I make mistakes, warn me!” He seemed to overlook that parliamentarians were no longer colleagues on his legislative committee, but institutional rivals checking executive power. By surrendering psychological ground at the outset, he inadvertently compromised the authority of his office.

While personal humility is a commendable virtue, self-abnegation in the nation's highest executive office invites exploitation. The impeachment threats against ministers, pressure forcing senior aides to resign, and the aggressive reintroduction of coercive social bills reflect an institutional establishment that does not take the presidency seriously. Observing excessive deference, political adversaries assume they can impose their agenda on the administration with impunity.

Consensus cannot be realized through passivity and goodwill alone; it requires decisive, authoritative leadership capable of balancing competing interests from a position of constitutional strength.

Mr. President, you frequently speak of the necessity of "faith and belief." But above all, you must believe in yourself—believe that you are the President of the Republic, endowed by the Constitution with extensive powers to govern on behalf of the national interest.

Act as the President, Mr. Pezeshkian, not a subordinate coordinator. And remember: if your administration falls, public faith in the ballot box falls with it.