Iran President Pezeshkian joins ‘Sacrifice for Iran’ parade in Tehran, calls for unity

Tehran (Iran): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday attended the “Sacrifice for Iran” parade in Tehran and called for unity and cohesion, according to Iranian state news agency ISNA.

The parade, held under the slogan “Labaik or Khamenei”, drew large crowds from different sections of Iranian society. ISNA reported that the event was attended by around 3,13,000 people.

Pezeshkian also participated in the gathering and spoke to reporters on its sidelines.

“We are sacrificing our lives for the people, the country, and Iran, and we are working with all our hearts for the country,” he said.

Pezeshkian calls for national unity

Pezeshkian stressed the importance of unity and cohesion within Iran, saying it would “frustrate the enemy”.

He praised what ISNA described as displays of solidarity and national loyalty during the event.

The Iranian president said the participation of people from different sections of society reflected what he called the nation's bond with Iran and their collective desire to protect the country's dignity, independence and territorial integrity.

“Iran belongs to all Iranians, and preserving its dignity and pride requires unity, empathy, and public participation,” he said, according to ISNA.
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Thousands take part in Tehran parade

According to Press TV, thousands of Iranians from different ethnic groups and walks of life participated in the parade, marching from Imam Hossein Square to Enghelab Square.

The report said war veterans, newlywed couples, Iranian military units, women and Yemeni nationals took part in the event.

Participants also honoured those killed in US strikes on a wedding in Kuhestak, while Iranian drones were displayed during the parade.
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Trump says Iran wants deal but 'not ready'

Pezeshkian's remarks came amid continuing uncertainty over the conflict between Iran and the United States.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran wants to reach a deal with Washington but, in his view, is not yet ready.

“Iran wants to make a deal; they're not ready, in my opinion. We're gonna either make a deal that's good, or we're not gonna make a deal at all,” Trump told ABC 11.

Trump's comments came as his administration considers the next phase of the conflict and a possible post-war strategy.

According to Axios, Trump is expected to meet representatives from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman- on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

The proposed meeting is expected to discuss Washington's post-war strategy and possible next steps in the conflict.

The US State Department sent initial invitations on Wednesday, while the gathering could potentially be expanded to include other Arab and Muslim leaders.

ANI