Pezeshkian Makes Rare Admission That US Sanctions Are Hurting Iran's Economy

President Pezeshkian acknowledged for the first time that US sanctions are damaging Iran's economy, a shift from his government's earlier line that the measures would 'achieve nothing.' In a state TV interview he said Iran's exports and imports have fallen 25-35% amid the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, adding 'we are in a war situation, and we must accept these wartime conditions.' He nonetheless maintained that the newly announced 'Operation Economic Outcast' sanctions package would not achieve its aims. The admission follows Treasury Secretary Bessent's warning of 'economic asphyxiation' for Iran and any country continuing to trade with it.