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

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted on Wednesday that the United States will accomplish nothing through its recent series of economic sanctions, according to local media. Pezeshkian contended that the economic pressures would prove ineffective, much like the US was unable to achieve success during the ongoing war. The remarks came from ISNA news agency.

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled plans for an "economic asphyxiation" campaign against Iran, warning of dire consequences for nations that do not align with the US. However, Iran's leaders have dismissed the potential impact of these new measures, having already endured decades of crippling sanctions since the 1979 revolution.

Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's stance, emphasizing that the nation's approach to resolving issues is rooted in negotiation and interaction, while firmly opposing economic pressures. The Iranian president reiterated that his country would continue to maintain its position against such measures, as it has throughout the years.

The impasse in negotiations between Iran and the US has been exacerbated by disagreements over control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This waterway, which typically facilitates about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, remains largely blocked, negatively affecting global energy markets. Iran has held sway over the strait since the onset of the conflict on February 28 and has imposed charges on vessels navigating through it.

Meanwhile, the US seeks to restore the pre-war system of unrestricted navigation and has claimed total control over the waterway.