Iranian President Says He Has “No Solutions” As He Paints Stark Picture Of National Collapse

Iranian President Massoud Pazakhian has publicly acknowledged his inability to resolve the crises engulfing the country, offering an unusually bleak assessment of Iran’s situation in a series of recent speeches that have stirred intense debate inside the regime, according to a report by N12.

Social media clips and local media coverage show Pazakhian openly conceding that he lacks answers to Iran’s mounting problems, comments that have triggered mixed and often sharp reactions among the public and within political circles.

The New York Times described Pazakhian’s first year in office as exceptionally turbulent, marked by the assassinations of allies and senior commanders, Israeli and US airstrikes, and damage to key nuclear facilities. At the same time, Iran’s economy has continued to deteriorate, with persistent energy and water shortages compounding daily hardships for citizens.

Rather than offering policy proposals or reassurances, Pazakhian chose blunt candor. Speaking to students and academics in early December, he said: “If anyone can do something, please do it. I can’t do anything, don’t curse me.”

His tone was even darker in meetings with government officials. “We are stuck, stuck really badly,” he said, adding: “From the first day we came in, disasters have been raining down on us, and it hasn’t stopped.”

Pazakhian has also pushed back against claims that Iran’s troubles are primarily caused by outside forces, insisting the failures are homegrown. “The problem is us,” he said in several forums, including the meeting with students. He cited corruption, infighting among factions, and long-standing state spending policies, which he labeled “the actions of insane people.”

According to N12, Pazakhian this month urged provincial governors and local leaders to act independently of Tehran. “Imagine that the central government does not exist and solve your problems on your own,” he told them, asking pointedly: “Why should I solve them? You should not think that the president can perform miracles.”

Despite the grim outlook, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has voiced support for Pazakhian, praising him as loyal and diligent — remarks widely seen as an effort to tamp down criticism. Pazakhian, for his part, has insisted he will remain in office, saying: “I will continue to fulfill my duties until the end.”