Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the unprecedented solidarity created during the recent conflict provides an opportunity for transformation in management and officials' behaviour, calling for appreciation of the people's support, his website said.

Israeli and, latterly, US bombers have repeatedly targeted Iranian military sites and officials as well as multiple nuclear and state broadcasting buildings, including an American strike on Fordow on June 23, according to government officials. More than 600 Iranians died in the attacks while counterstrikes on Israel resulted in 26 official deaths and hundreds severely injured.  

Speaking at the cabinet meeting on June 25, Pezeshkian said the 12-day imposed war demonstrated that "all" Iranian people can defend the country, not just one party, minority or group of people.

War is an ugly phenomenon and Iran has never initiated conflict, but must not remain defenceless against aggression with full strength and readiness, the president said. He thanked military, police, security forces, Revolutionary Guards, army, Basij militia and various groups of people for their efforts during the conflict.

"The occupying regime [Israel] of Jerusalem and its supporters attacked for 12 days and of course we defended and responded to them, but more importantly, people stood united and defended their territorial integrity," Pezeshkian said.

Enemy attacks on state broadcasting and other centres showed the adversary sought to create domestic unrest but failed, he said, expressing hope the conflict would serve as a wake-up call.

Foreign intelligence networks and enemies sought to create chaos domestically and did everything to tear the country apart, but people, armed forces, artists, figures, politicians and even some prisoners and politicians who had complaints against the system unanimously defended the country's territorial integrity, the president said.

"We must appreciate these people and make them believe we are seeking to serve them, stop disagreements, join hands and strive for the country's dignity and pride," Pezeshkian said.

The president stressed abandoning narrow-minded approaches in selecting managers and officials, saying appointments should be based on merit and capabilities.

He also highlighted the successful delegation of authority to provinces, allowing governors to make decisions without waiting for central approval.

Pezeshkian thanked the heads of the judiciary and parliament for their solidarity during recent events, particularly acknowledging the parliament's confidence vote for the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance.