![A woman walks past a banner bearing a portrait of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran on Aug. 8. [Reuters]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/29/news-p.v1.20260728.5be3ec7cf6514c5b91ece2f226c485e2_P1.jpg)
Iran's government said it will pursue a strategy combining diplomacy and defense to counter sanctions and pressure from the United States and Israel, in line with directives from the supreme leader.
Local media including IRIB reported Saturday (local time) that the government released a statement during "Government Week" outlining five core national policy priorities centered on diplomacy and security, the economy, and social cohesion, according to Yonhap.
On foreign policy, the government defined diplomacy and defense as complementary tools for protecting national interests and security. It said it would uphold dignity, wisdom and pragmatism as guiding diplomatic principles while taking a firm stance against US and Israeli sanctions and pressure.
On the economic front, the government focused on easing the burden on ordinary citizens from prolonged sanctions. It set inflation control and job creation as key goals, alongside de-dollarization and channeling capital into domestic production.
Socially, the government said it would guard against internal divisions and prioritize national unity in policymaking. It also announced plans to harness young talent to strengthen competitiveness in technology and education.
The government said President Pezeshkian's administration, under the supreme leader's guidance, would consolidate national capabilities to overcome domestic and external crises. Earlier, on Friday, the supreme leader praised the government's efforts to maintain essential services and energy supply despite US and Israeli pressure and called for greater social cohesion.
rim@heraldcorp.com
