Iran president admits citizens facing ‘many problems’ amid US sanctions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the growing economic hardships affecting ordinary Iranians as the United States escalates sanctions to further isolate Tehran’s economy. In a broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian admitted that the nation is grappling with a multitude of challenges, but his administration is striving to mitigate their impact on the populace.

"I recognize we face many problems in society right now. We are doing everything we can to prevent them from worsening," he stated. His comments came after the US announced additional sanction campaigns and vowed to intensify pressure on Iran, claiming the measures would push Tehran's ruling system towards collapse. Pezeshkian described the current situation as a multifaceted conflict with the United States, highlighting that Iran is now experiencing an economic, military, and security war.

He attributed the heightened pressure to US President Donald Trump, saying, "Thanks to Trump, we are in a full-scale economic, military, and security war." Referring to Washington’s latest sanctions announcement, Pezeshkian added, "He claims he is imposing the most crushing and terrifying sanctions on Iran." Iran has seen recurring episodes of protests in recent years, with economic pressures such as inflation, currency fluctuations, and diminishing purchasing power often fueling public discontent.

A major protest movement that erupted in late December of the previous year over deteriorating living conditions later expanded into larger demonstrations against the authorities. Iranian officials reported that over 3,000 individuals were killed during the unrest, accusing the US and Israel of instigating the violence. However, foreign-based non-governmental organizations alleged that Iranian security forces conducted a widespread and indiscriminate crackdown, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Pezeshkian emphasized his government's focus on addressing the economic pressures affecting ordinary Iranians, including rising prices and unemployment. "We are working tirelessly to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, unemployment, and to secure a dignified future for the people, so they can live with pride," he said.