Iran Faces US Pressure, Pezeshkian Claims People Remain Solid
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that his country is now facing a full-scale war encompassing the economic, military and security spheres. He said the Iranian government is working to overcome the various pressures arising from the conflict.
“We are in a full-scale economic, military and security war,” Pezeshkian said in a televised speech broadcast by Iran’s state news agency IRNA on Sunday (23/8).
Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government feels ashamed because various problems still persist in Iran’s economy. However, he stressed that Tehran continues to strive to meet the people’s needs amid the pressures it faces.
“(US President) Trump casually says they will impose the heaviest or most terrible sanctions on Iran,” Pezeshkian said.
He added that Tehran stands firm and continues to work to serve the Iranian people amid what he described as an unequal war. Pezeshkian also referred to predictions by parties who expected Iran to experience conditions similar to Venezuela if its government fell due to pressure from enemies.
“The enemy predicted that if Iran fell, it would become Venezuela. Not only did that not happen, but Iran became a power that amazed the world with its resistance, solidarity and cohesion,” the president asserted.
According to Pezeshkian, the Iranian government is now working to maintain national unity and prevent internal conflict amid external pressure. “Tehran is working with all our strength to avoid division, conflict and ego,” he continued.
Iran and the United States previously signed a memorandum of understanding in June through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar.
The agreement ended hostilities that began in February and opened the way for both countries to continue negotiations towards a final agreement. However, the negotiation process subsequently stalled due to disputes over the implementation of the memorandum of understanding.
Another issue hampering the talks is the arrangement of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage that serves as one of the main routes for global oil and gas exports. Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz have become a significant issue because the passage plays a major role in global energy distribution.
Disputes over access and navigation in the area could potentially have wider impacts on international trade and energy supplies. Pezeshkian’s statement indicates that despite previous diplomatic efforts to end hostilities, Tehran still sees itself as being under significant pressure from Washington, both through military threats and economic policies and sanctions.