Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged economic and social challenges amid renewed US sanctions.
Pezeshkian said Iran was facing a “full-scale economic, military and security war” with the US.
He defended a US-Iran memorandum, saying it reflected Iran’s national interest and was not a capitulation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the growing economic and social challenges facing the country, saying Tehran is dealing with “many problems” as fresh US sanctions add further pressure on an already strained economy.
“I understand we have many problems in society right now. We are trying to prevent these as much as we can,” Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast on state television.
His remarks came after the United States announced a new sanctions campaign against Iran, with Washington vowing to intensify pressure on Tehran and pursue what it described as efforts to weaken the Iranian regime.
Pezeshkian said Iran was facing what he called a wider confrontation with the US.
“Thanks to US President Donald Trump, Iran is in a full-scale economic, military and security war,” he said.
Referring to the latest sanctions, he added:
“He says he is imposing the most crushing and terrifying sanctions on Iran.”
Economic Strain And Rising Public Discontent
Iran’s economy has been under pressure for years due to international sanctions, with inflation, unemployment and currency fluctuations affecting household purchasing power.
The government has also faced repeated protests, many of which have been linked to economic difficulties and rising living costs.
Pezeshkian said his administration was working to address these challenges.
“We are striving with all our hearts to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, unemployment, and to secure the future of the people, so that they can live with dignity and pride,” he said.
Pezeshkian Defends US-Iran Memorandum
Pezeshkian also defended a recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, calling it the best available option to move away from a prolonged state of uncertainty.
In a speech published by state-run IRNA, he said members of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council considered the agreement to be based on “dignity, wisdom and the national interest”.
Rejecting criticism that the agreement represented a compromise of Iran’s position, Pezeshkian said:
“There is not a single provision in this agreement that amounts to capitulation.”
“The supreme leader sets the policies, and we will follow that path,” he added.
The memorandum, signed by US President Donald Trump in June, set a 60-day deadline for ending the conflict with Iran and reaching an agreement on its nuclear programme. The deadline has since expired, with both sides remaining divided over key issues.
Nuclear Talks And Strait Of Hormuz Issue
A major point of disagreement remains the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route.
Iran has not indicated any intention to withdraw its position in negotiations, while Pezeshkian linked progress on the agreement to improving economic conditions and attracting investment.
“Capital and money are extremely sensitive to risk,” he said. “We have to remove this risk from the country.”
Iran’s economy has faced additional pressure after months of conflict with the United States and Israel, along with sanctions and restrictions affecting its ability to export oil, a key source of revenue.
Pakistan Army Chief To Visit Tehran
Amid the rising tensions, Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir is scheduled to visit Tehran on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.
According to a ministry statement, the visit is aimed at strengthening regional peace and security.
Pakistan has been involved in diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States to help ease tensions, placing Munir’s visit within wider attempts to reduce regional instability.
