Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that US sanctions are taking a significant toll on the country’s economy, a notable shift from his earlier claim that the latest restrictions would have limited impact.
Speaking to Iranian state television on Friday night, Pezeshkian said it was unrealistic to suggest that sanctions had no effect on the country.
“Some people say the sanctions have no impact at all. I really don’t know what to tell them,” he said.
The president said Iran is currently operating under wartime conditions and must adjust to the economic difficulties created by the situation.
According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s imports and exports have declined by between 25% and 35% in recent months. He also accused the United States of continuing a naval blockade affecting Iranian ports.
His remarks came days after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. Washington has also warned countries that refuse to cooperate with the sanctions campaign that they could face consequences.
Pezeshkian backs higher fuel prices
The Iranian president has also suggested raising petrol prices as part of efforts to deal with the country’s worsening economic situation.
He argued that the government should consider increasing the price under the third-tier fuel quota, citing the decline in trade and the broader economic pressures facing the country.
As an example, Pezeshkian proposed raising the price from 5,000 tomans to 10,000 tomans per unit.
His latest comments highlight the growing pressure on Iran’s economy as Tehran continues to face US sanctions, restrictions on trade and wider geopolitical tensions.
