Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invoked the Abarqu cypress—Asia's oldest living tree—as a metaphor for the enduring power and resilience of Iran in a recent address.
Speaking to the nation, Pezeshkian stressed that just as the Abarqu cypress has stood for millennia, so too would Iran persist and overcome any obstacles. The tree, estimated to be between 4,000 and 4,500 years old, is located in Yazd Province in central Iran.
Pezeshkian used the ancient tree as a symbol of the Iranian people's resilience, tenacity, and vital spirit. He called on citizens to unite and maintain their national spirit in the face of the country's current difficulties.
The Abarqu cypress has long been a key cultural and historical emblem of Iran, drawing numerous visitors and locals alike. The president's mention of the tree underscores the importance of natural heritage and its spiritual significance to the nation.