Iran’s president says ‘US will achieve nothing’ with economic pressure

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian asserted on Wednesday that the US will accomplish nothing through its latest economic sanctions, according to local media. He emphasized that Iran's approach to resolving issues is through negotiation, while firmly opposing economic pressures. Pezeshkian's statement came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined plans for "economic asphyxiation" of Iran, warning of severe consequences for nations that do not join the campaign.

Despite the new measures, Iran's leaders have dismissed their impact, having already faced decades of crippling sanctions since shortly after the 1979 revolution. Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's commitment to understanding and resolving conflicts through interaction and negotiation, while simultaneously resisting economic pressures, as they have done throughout the conflict.

However, negotiations between Iran and the US have reached a stalemate as tensions persist over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The critical waterway, which typically facilitates around a fifth of the global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, remains largely blocked since the war's inception on February 28. Iran has maintained control over Hormuz and has sought to charge vessels passing through the strait.

The US seeks to restore pre-war navigation conditions in the waterway, claiming Washington holds total control over it.