Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, stated that the government has developed an offensive economic plan to counteract US sanctions against Iran.
During the Government Week, he emphasized that the XIV administration had anticipated such scenarios in advance and is fully prepared for new restrictions. Madanizadeh noted that enemies have long tried to test the resolve of the Iranian people and officials through various methods, including military threats, territorial disintegration, and political destabilization.
However, he asserted that these conspiracies failed due to the resilience of Iran's armed forces, population, and officials, as well as diplomatic efforts. Acknowledging damage to the economy, including attacks on petrochemical and steel enterprises, he stated that recovery work proceeded quickly, damaged units resumed operations, and market shortages were eliminated.
Regarding recent statements by the US Treasury, the minister rejected the notion that new sanctions could sever Iran's economic and financial arteries, stressing that the unipolar world order has ended. He argued that such claims are not new, as previous attempts under similar circumstances have not succeeded. 'We survived a full-scale war and defeated them both economically and diplomatically,' he said.
Nevertheless, Madanizadeh acknowledged the difficulties imposed on the Iranian people, including high inflation and currency pressure caused by the enemy's actions over the past year. He stressed that the government is fully united with the people's struggle and intends to prevent the opponent from stopping the country's financial and economic flows.
The minister presented information that all state bodies—including the ministries of economy, the Central Bank, the Budget and Planning Organization, as well as the ministries of industry, agriculture, transport, and labor—have prepared coordinated programs. Constant meetings are held to address various scenarios, such as disruptions in finance, trade, or goods imports. He cited examples of successfully creating alternative routes when maritime routes were restricted and taking measures to counter attempts to halt oil exports or create budget deficits.
Madanizadeh reported a noticeable increase in customs efficiency: the time for goods clearance was reduced from ten months to eight days, with further expected reduction to three days. Tax revenues last year exceeded 90 percent of planned figures despite wartime conditions. The banking sector also fulfilled its obligations regarding housing, maternity, and marriage loans, directing significant resources to working and fixed capital assets.
The minister warned that enemies are now conducting an economic terrorist operation targeting cancer patients, children, and even infant food supplies. Although Iran does not seek war, it will decisively respond to any attacks—whether military or economic. 'They should not think that our approach this time is merely defensive; they should also expect offensive actions from us,' he cautioned.
Madanizadeh noted that two major global powers have already refused to accept new sanctions, and it is expected that many other countries will follow suit, both officially and unofficially.
The minister detailed a seven-pillar state program to combat inflation. Key areas include adjusting monetary and banking policies, supporting production and employment through financing investment projects, reforming capital markets, which have already allowed businesses to attract about 55 trillion tomans through the issuance of debt obligations, and supporting household life, including continuing the food basket subsidy program (Kala-Barg) with plans to expand support in the second half of the year.
To solve energy imbalance problems, Madanizadeh presented plans for developing combined power plants and modernizing existing facilities. Notably, investments in solar energy have shown significant results thanks to private sector participation. Public cooperation in consumption management has been outstanding: energy consumption growth not only stopped but decreased in some sectors, contradicting the previous annual increase of 6-7 percent.
The government's approach to recovery emphasizes modernization rather than mere restoration, with 20 major national projects identified that will be financed through capital markets, banks, and public participation. Restoration of damaged homes, hospitals, and schools is also underway.
Final approval by the government is pending for a package aimed at facilitating trade and removing production barriers. The minister emphasized that cumbersome rules identified during the war are now being formalized to ease doing business. The former 'Foreign Investment Organization' has been transformed into the 'Iranian Investment Organization,' tasked with identifying and eliminating investment obstacles across the country.
Regarding recent currency market volatility, Madanizadeh attributed it largely to media sentiment but expressed confidence that central bank policy will restore stability. He reiterated that the government is firmly committed to managing economic conditions, controlling inflation, protecting employment, and ensuring the supply of essential goods for the Iranian people.