{
  "id": 2619577,
  "title": "‘We will not endure’ — Top Iranian leaders signal they are running out of time as economy crumbles ahead of Trump’s next sanctions onslaught",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/we-will-not-endure-top-iranian-leaders-signal-they-are-running-out-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T17:06:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fortune",
    "slug": "fortune",
    "url": "https://fortune.com/2026/08/22/iran-economy-crisis-us-naval-blockade-trump-sanctions-dday/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent tensions have emerged within Iran's leadership, indicating growing impatience with the ongoing economic crisis as the country braces for new sanctions by the United States. Particularly, moderate officials have voiced concerns about hardliners' military-first strategies, highlighting the urgency of economic relief as the U.S. and Iran remain at a standstill, with no diplomatic breakthroughs. Speaking to this concern, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized during a visit to Iraq that \"no matter how strong we are militarily, if the people are hungry and we do not have financial circulation, economic growth and domestic production, we will not endure.\" The speaker also noted, \"As someone who has experienced war, we understand the true value of peace.\"\n\nPresident Masoud Pezeshkian, who oversees Iran's economic policies, rebutted hardliners' criticisms of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S., maintaining that the deal did not equate to surrender. He also urged the war to end, implying that Tehran holds leverage that should be utilized as soon as possible. \"It is better to end it today, as we are in a position of strength and dignity,\" Pezeshkian stated, adding that the world acknowledges Iran's victory and criticizes America for attacking its institutions in violation of international regulations.\n\nThe central bank governor disclosed on state television that the U.S. embargo has hindered Iran's ability to export oil, a primary source of revenue for the regime. \"It is a reality that we are not exporting oil,\" Abdolnaser Hemmati stated, adding that the Americans have frozen Iran's foreign exchange reserves and restricted access. The blockade has also impeded the influx of essential goods into the country. The UAE's recent decision to impose a complete embargo on trade and financial transactions with Iran further exacerbates the situation. The deputy head of Iran's Energy Optimisation Organisation highlighted the constraints in fuel imports, leading the industry to heavily rely on reserves in recent months.\n\nThe public declarations from Iranian officials starkly contrast with anonymous concerns about Iran's economic condition due to the U.S. naval blockade. Nevertheless, some officials have openly expressed the dire need for sanctions relief that a deal with the U.S. could provide. Iran's deputy foreign minister acknowledged the desperate need for economic relief through a U.S. deal, while the head of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce warned that the U.S. blockade would inflict more severe consequences on the economy than potential military conflicts. According to the International Monetary Fund, Iran's economy is projected to contract by 6.1% in 2026, marking the worst decline in decades. Additionally, a labor ministry official estimated that over 1 million jobs were lost by late May, and experts cautioned that Iran's authoritarian regime is unlikely to be swayed by the hardships faced by ordinary citizens and is prepared to endure economic difficulties longer than the average American can tolerate.\n\nThe Iranian regime, under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has recently reorganized its leadership, giving prominence to hardliners who advocate for a return to war rather than another ceasefire deal. An advisor to Khamenei further revealed that Iran has adjusted its military approach to be more offensive, suggesting preemptive strikes to secure concessions instead of a defensive stance focused on retaliating against U.S. strikes. Brig. Gen. Yadollah Javani, a senior official in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, confirmed on state media that \"Iran's actions are defensive, although they may also take on an offensive aspect in the future.\"\n\nThese aggressive statements coincide with the U.S. facing limitations in its military options due to depleted inventories of key munitions and concerns about the alertness of Navy ships aimed at Iran. President Donald Trump has consistently avoided resuming full-scale war, even after Iran violated his \"red line\" by killing more American troops. Instead, he has focused on sanctions, announcing a \"economic D-Day\" against Iran, which implies a substantial economic blockade. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the U.S. would enforce secondary sanctions on nations and companies engaging with Iran. He declared, \"If you insist on doing business with them, then the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government will put its full might and force against you.\" The international community is now faced with the decision to either impose further sanctions or support Iran in seeking a resolution to the escalating tensions.",
  "summary": "\"As someone who has experienced war, we understand the true value of peace.\"",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}