Khamenei Warns Against “No War, No Peace” and Urges Government to Prioritize Economy, Housing, and Energy
Khamenei's recent remarks combined warnings about external threats, demands for immediate domestic reforms, and praise for government efforts.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with President Masoud Pezeshkian and members of his cabinet, delivering a comprehensive set of instructions that touched on the economy, energy, housing, diplomacy, and national morale. His remarks combined warnings about external threats, demands for immediate domestic reforms, and praise for government efforts.
Khamenei described the state of “no war, no peace” as a dangerous condition that adversaries are trying to impose on Iran. He urged the government to overcome this through a spirit of work, determination, and hope, warning that passivity would cause “harm and danger” to the country.
The Supreme Leader identified livelihood and housing as the most pressing national priorities. He called for urgent steps to curb uncontrolled price increases and emphasized the need to guarantee the supply of essential goods. Khamenei stated: “Act in a way that people can obtain about ten basic goods without the fear of sudden price hikes—not that prices double overnight.” He endorsed vouchers (kalabarg) as a way to ensure stable access to essential goods, echoing the call by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who argued that electronic vouchers would guarantee every Iranian a minimum daily calorie intake and keep consumer prices stable throughout the year.
Khamenei highlighted the urgency of fixing Iran’s energy imbalance, calling for plans to import natural gas for winter, expansion of oil production using modern methods, and diversification of oil export customers. He stressed that factories must not face power cuts except in emergencies, since production is the key to economic progress. He also demanded that imports of essential goods be competitive, not monopolized, to reduce costs for consumers. The Supreme Leader warned against waste in government institutions, citing unnecessary travel, expensive hotels, and excessive utility use. He urged a shift toward efficiency and cost control.
Despite these demands, Khamenei praised President Pezeshkian’s motivation, energy, and hard work, particularly highlighting his recent trip to China, which he said opened up valuable political and economic opportunities. He also commended government officials who had shown “sacrifice” during the recent 12-day conflict, though he did not provide details. He called on media outlets, writers, and officials to highlight Iran’s strengths and achievements rather than focusing solely on weaknesses.
In his address, President Pezeshkian acknowledged continued challenges but emphasized progress. He apologized for power and gas cuts, citing Iran’s energy imbalance, but said new steps—such as installing 7,000 megawatts of solar power capacity and raising fuel reserves to over 3 billion cubic meters—would ease shortages. On social policy, Pezeshkian pledged to issue monthly vouchers to seven income deciles as part of his government’s strategy to boost social welfare and reduce household expenses. He also cited the construction of 2,400 new schools, expansion of the family physician program, and reforms in the budget and banking system to fight inflation.
On foreign policy, the president said Iran’s relations with neighbors are stronger than before, insisting that Europe and the U.S. cannot defeat Iran with sanctions. He highlighted agreements with Russia, China, Turkey, Iraq, and Eurasian states, stressing that all parties are determined to turn signed agreements into practical outcomes.
The meeting underscored Khamenei’s strategy of domestic resilience combined with selective foreign engagement. His demands for price control, food security, and energy stability reflect the regime’s recognition of public frustration over rising costs and recurring shortages. His warnings against the “no war, no peace” scenario highlight the leadership’s fear of prolonged stagnation under foreign pressure.
However, analysts note that sanctions, entrenched corruption, and chronic mismanagement remain the main drivers of Iran’s economic and social problems. Khamenei’s remarks appeared to place responsibility on external actors and government officials without acknowledging his own role in shaping these conditions. Without meaningful structural reforms, it remains unclear how the country can address these deep-rooted challenges.
By praising Pezeshkian’s energy and outreach, Khamenei signaled continued support for the president, even as reformist figures elsewhere in government face mounting pressure. The emphasis on unity, discipline, and hope was designed to bolster morale, while the call for efficiency and anti-waste measures pointed to frustration with bureaucracy. In sum, Khamenei’s message was clear: solve the people’s economic problems, strengthen national power, and avoid dependency on external developments—while keeping the country united and resilient under pressure. Yet the path forward remains uncertain without addressing the systemic causes of Iran’s crisis.