(FOX NEWS) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian admitted that Iran has “suffered harm” from U.S. attacks and urged his fellow officials to “face reality.

Pezeshkian made the comments during a meeting of the Government Information Council televised by Iranian media.

Iran’s leaders “should avoid any tone or voices that create division, but we must also face reality; It is not the case that we have not suffered harm,” Pezeshkian said.

“Anyone in a position of leadership must speak honestly and transparently to their society and their people,” Pezeshkian told officials. “Misleading information, false messaging, or portraying a reality in which ‘they are collapsing while we are prospering’ is unacceptable. The truth is that both we and others face challenges.”

Pezeshkian nevertheless said that Iran “will not bow to pressure.”

“We will not sacrifice our country’s dignity and honor for comfort or convenience. We have valid reasons and clear justification, and we are fully capable of defending our nation’s rights with strength, backed by our people,” he said.