Iranian President Admits Country Facing ‘Many Problems’ Amid US Sanctions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that the country is facing significant economic and social challenges as the United States intensifies sanctions aimed at further isolating Iran’s economy.

Speaking in a televised address on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the government was aware of the difficulties confronting citizens and was working to address them.

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

His comments came after the United States announced a new wave of sanctions and vowed to increase pressure on the Iranian government.

Pezeshkian described the situation as a broad economic, military and security confrontation with the United States, blaming President Donald Trump’s administration for escalating pressure on Tehran.

“He says he is imposing the most crushing and terrifying sanctions on Iran,” Pezeshkian said.

Iran has faced repeated waves of protests in recent years, many of them driven by economic difficulties, including high inflation, currency fluctuations and declining purchasing power.

A protest movement that began over rising living costs at the end of December last year later developed into wider demonstrations against the government.

Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 deaths during the unrest and accused the United States and Israel of supporting the violence. Foreign-based organisations, however, accused Iranian authorities of carrying out a widespread crackdown that resulted in thousands of deaths.

Pezeshkian said his administration was focused on improving living conditions and addressing the country’s economic challenges.

“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.

The latest remarks come as Tehran faces mounting economic pressure, with the impact of sanctions adding to existing domestic challenges and increasing concerns over the country’s economic stability.