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

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the mounting economic difficulties confronting citizens as the United States intensifies sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran’s economy.

Speaking in a broadcast on Iranian state television on Sunday, Pezeshkian admitted that the country was dealing with numerous challenges but said his administration was working to limit their impact on the population.

“I understand we have many problems in society right now. We are trying to prevent these as much as we can,” he said.

His remarks came days after the United States announced fresh sanction campaigns and vowed to exert greater pressure on Iran, with Washington saying the measures were intended to push the country’s ruling system towards collapse.

Pezeshkian described the situation as a broad confrontation with the United States, saying Iran was now facing what he characterised as an economic, military and security war.

He attributed the intensified 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, the Iranian president added, “He says he is imposing the most crushing and terrifying sanctions on Iran.”

Iran has experienced repeated waves of protests in recent years, with economic pressures such as inflation, currency fluctuations and falling purchasing power frequently contributing to public discontent.

A major protest movement that began in late December last year over worsening living costs later developed into wider demonstrations against the authorities.

Iranian officials said more than 3,000 people were killed during the unrest and accused the United States and Israel of being behind the violence. Foreign-based non-governmental organisations, however, alleged that Iranian security forces responded with a widespread and indiscriminate crackdown that resulted in thousands of deaths.

Pezeshkian said his government was focused on addressing the economic pressures affecting ordinary Iranians, including rising prices and unemployment.

“We are striving with all our hearts to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, unemployment, and to secure the future of the people, so that they can live with dignity and pride,” he said.