The Iranian Economy Minister commented on statements by the US Treasury Secretary regarding increased sanctions and economic pressure on Iran, stating that the notion that pressure on the Iranian economy can change the nation's decisions is a misconception.
According to Mehr News Agency, Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, referencing recent remarks by American officials about economic pressure, isolation of Iran, and the cessation of financial ties, emphasized that the Iranian economy comprises a vast community of people, enterprises, entrepreneurs, producers, exporters, traders, farmers, engineers, and millions of economic actors. These actors, despite the harshest conditions of recent years' sanctions, have found new ways to conduct production, trade, and financing.
In a video address, he added that today, despite the created pressure and difficulties, trade, production, export, and import continue in the country, and essential goods for the population are supplied properly. He noted that the lack of support for US policy from many countries, as well as dialogues and subsequent contacts with regional and friendly states, has prevented the achievement of the opponent's sanction goals.
The Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, acknowledging the existence of economic problems in the country, stated that the responsibility for reforming the Iranian economy lies with the Iranian government and its citizens, not the US Treasury Department. He refuted claims of the collapse and strangulation of the Iranian economy, noting that these claims speak of reforming the economic structure, increasing productivity, developing trade and production, attracting investment, and expanding economic ties.
Madanizadeh outlined the government's economic strategy, which includes diversifying trade partners, developing regional trade, strengthening the private sector, reducing budget dependence on oil revenues, increasing non-oil exports, reforming trade corridors, modernizing the banking system, attracting investment, and controlling inflation. He concluded that the Iranian economy functions for the life and well-being of the Iranian people, not for the approval of Washington.
Emphasizing the significant difference between bearing economic costs and economic subjugation, he stated that the Iranian nation has paid a heavy price in recent years but will never surrender. He specified that in response to attempts at pressure from the adversary, economic resistance will be exerted parallel to implementing economic reforms.
The Economy Minister particularly stressed that the Iranian people will build the Iranian economy and determine the country's future—through their will, plan, and in accordance with their own interests. Madanizadeh concluded by asserting that external forces may hinder financial pathways but cannot sanction the nation's will to build its economy, just as they failed to defeat the Iranian nation using what they call the world's largest army, they will not succeed in an economic war.