Pezeshkian Credits Mojtaba Khamenei for keeping Iran united.​​In a televised address to the nation, Pezeshkian said the unity of the Iranian people had prevented what he described as attempts to weaken the country through war, sanctions and political pressure."Enemies tried to topple the Islamic Republic, but the country's new Leader kept Iran united and strong...Enemies sought to replicate Syria's fate for Iran through wars and sanctions," Pezeshkian said, adding that the resilience and determination of the Iranian people had foiled those plans.The Iranian President said national unity remained the country's greatest strength in confronting external threats."Unity among Iranians remains the primary factor in standing firm against enemies," he said, alleging that Iran's adversaries opposed "any sign of independence or progress" achieved by the Iranian people.Pezeshkian also paid tribute to the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, saying the "martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution always supported the government," and expressed confidence that the country's new leadership would continue to safeguard Iran's sovereignty and stability.Iran-US diplomacy amid regional tensionsIran President Pezeshkian's comments came amid heightened regional tensions and diplomatic activity involving Tehran and Washington.Earlier on Wednesday, Reuters reported citing a senior Iranian source and two regional officials, that a proposed agreement involving Iran and Oman could grant Tehran control over vessels entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.The report said key details of the arrangement remained under discussion despite US president Donald Trump’s assertion that an agreement to reopen the strategic waterway was close.Trump separately said “a lot of progress” had been made in contacts with Iran. He claimed Tehran had reached out seeking talks. Trump added that developments would become clearer within 48 hours.Conflict, strikes and change in leadershipThe remarks came against the backdrop of months of heightened tensions in West Asia following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The conflict intensified after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities and retaliatory attacks across the region.The crisis was further compounded by the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which led to the appointment of his son Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader.