Iran’s president signals willingness to engage in dialogue with opposition

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed the government's readiness to hold talks with opposition forces as part of efforts to address the country’s ongoing domestic challenges.

"The government is ready to cooperate constructively with all forces. Today, we are even ready to engage in dialogue with the opposition on the basis of equality, as the resolution of the country’s problems requires a dialogue, not confrontation," Pezeshkian said, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Pezeshkian noted that his administration had inherited a range of structural issues, including severe water shortages that have worsened under extreme heat.

"The current restrictive measures stem from the disbalances. Some of them, such as mandatory days off, are geared to help the population cope with the water crisis and save more water," he added.

The president’s remarks came as authorities in at least five provinces announced July 23 as a public holiday for government institutions. According to the Tasnim news agency, the decision aims to reduce strain on public utilities amid soaring temperatures across much of the country.

By Sabina Mammadli