Iranian President Acknowledges Economic Strain, Calls to End US Conflict Amid Rising Pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezhkian publicly acknowledged the severe impact of US economic sanctions and called for an end to the ongoing confrontation with the United States. Speaking at a medical community conference in Tehran on Friday, Pezhkian framed the move as a position of strength, stating it was preferable to conclude the conflict while Iran still holds power and global recognition of its victory. His remarks reflect growing internal pressure on his government, facing criticism from hardline factions and the Revolutionary Guards, who have increased their influence since the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Pezhkian defended a forthcoming agreement with the US, describing it as respectful and valuable without any sign of surrender. He also accused the US of attacking civilian infrastructure but emphasized Iran's readiness to defend itself at all costs. The president openly admitted the devastating effects of the US-imposed financial restrictions and naval blockade, which have severely disrupted Iran's imports and exports. He lamented the government's difficulty in funding basic food subsidies and criticized external critics for misunderstanding the complex situation.
This admission aligns with other unusual statements from senior officials. Iran's central bank governor Abdulnaser Hemmati confirmed that oil exports have completely halted and US sanctions have frozen the bank's reserves. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned in Baghdad that without a stable economy and growth, Iran cannot sustain itself even with military strength. Reuters reported a critical disruption in oil supply to China, causing shortages and price spikes.
Meanwhile, the US administration under President Donald Trump maintains its hardline stance. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced a new, historically severe sanctions package to be unveiled Monday, aiming to topple the Iranian regime. He described the combined naval blockade and sanctions as a "double punch" designed to collapse the Ayatollahs' rule. Trump reinforced this message, warning that any country aiding Iran economically would face severe consequences, specifically targeting China, Iran's main oil customer.
The contrast between Pezhkian's declarations of strength and the harsh economic realities reveals the regime's precarious position. While Tehran seeks to portray the emerging deal as a victory, internal warnings of imminent economic collapse grow louder, and Washington intensifies pressure to force regime change.
