Tehran- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday acknowledged that Iranian citizens are currently facing “many problems” as the country struggles with the economic and social consequences of the ongoing war and increasing pressure from the United States.
“I understand that there are many problems in society at the moment. We are trying our best to address and prevent these problems,” Pezeshkian said in a televised video address broadcast on national television.
His remarks came days after the United States announced a new campaign of sanctions aimed at putting additional pressure on Iran’s ruling authorities and pushing the country toward economic and political instability. The conflict between Iran and the United States has now continued for nearly six months, placing further strain on Iran’s already fragile economy.
Pezeshkian said Iran was facing a “full economic, military and security war” because of US President Donald Trump’s policies. He accused the Trump administration of imposing some of the “toughest and most frightening sanctions” against Iran.
Iran has experienced several major waves of anti-government protests in recent years, many of which have been fueled by economic hardship, high inflation, unemployment and fluctuations in the national currency’s exchange rate. These pressures have significantly reduced the purchasing power of ordinary citizens and increased the cost of basic goods and services.
The latest major protests began late last December amid rising living costs and quickly developed into a broader challenge to the government. Hundreds of officials and thousands of protesters were reportedly killed during the unrest.
Iranian authorities said more than 3,000 people died in the violence and accused the United States and Israel of encouraging the unrest. Iranian rights groups based abroad, however, claimed that security forces carried out a harsh crackdown that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
Pezeshkian said his government was working “from the heart” to overcome inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
“We are sincerely trying to overcome inflation, livelihood problems and unemployment and secure the future of our people, so that they can live with dignity and pride,” he said.
Rasasa/AFP
