Muhammad Amanullah — September 15, 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticised the economic sanctions imposed by the United States, accusing Washington of seeking not only to put pressure on Iran’s economy but also to create internal unrest, anxiety and instability within Iranian society.
Pezeshkian said Iran was facing difficulties on several fronts, but the government was continuing its efforts to deal with the challenges.
Address in Tehran
Speaking at an event organised by the Ministry of Labour in Tehran, Pezeshkian discussed US sanctions and the difficulties currently facing Iran.
The Iranian president said the United States was attempting to weaken Iranian society from within through various sanctions and other measures.
According to Pezeshkian, the objective of the pressure against Iran was not simply to restrict economic activity but also to create conditions inside the country that could increase public discontent and undermine social stability.
Allegations Against Opponents
The Iranian president also criticised some Iranian nationals living abroad.
He alleged that certain Iranian elements were cooperating with Tehran’s enemies and attempting to create unrest inside the country.
Pezeshkian said some individuals outside Iran were trying to provoke the Iranian public and contribute to conditions of instability in the country. He described the issue as a serious challenge for Iran.
Growing Economic Pressure
Iran has already been facing severe economic difficulties for years because of US sanctions. The restrictions have affected various sectors of the Iranian economy while making foreign trade, financial transactions and access to foreign currency more difficult.
Pezeshkian acknowledged that the growing economic pressure was affecting the country’s economy and people’s daily lives. However, he maintained that efforts were also being made to create instability within Iranian society alongside the economic pressure being placed on the country.
Impact on Oil Exports
Oil exports are critically important to Iran’s economy, but Iranian oil sales abroad have faced increasing difficulties because of US sanctions and other measures.
Growing pressure on Iran’s oil exports can reduce the country’s revenues, making it more difficult for the government to support economic activity and meet public needs.
Foreign Currency Challenges
One of the major effects of the sanctions has also been limited access to foreign currency.
Restricted availability of the US dollar and other foreign currencies can increase pressure on businesses, imports and financial transactions within the Iranian economy.
Such conditions can also affect the value of the local currency, prices of essential goods and the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
US Action
The US Treasury Department announced “Operation Economic Outcast” on August 24. The stated aim of the measure was to deprive Iran of revenue generated through foreign trade and increase pressure on its economic resources.
The US sanctions primarily target Iran’s financial and economic sources in an effort to restrict Tehran’s economic activity and maintain pressure on its foreign trade.
Impact on Public Life
According to the Iranian president, the effects of the sanctions are no longer limited to government or commercial activities and are increasingly affecting everyday life.
As economic difficulties increase, additional pressure can emerge on household expenses, employment and business activity.
Iran is already dealing with inflation and economic instability, meaning further pressure from external sanctions could make conditions more difficult for ordinary citizens.
Internal Stability a Key Concern
A major aspect of Pezeshkian’s remarks was his emphasis on internal stability alongside economic pressure.
He said hostile forces were attempting to create unrest inside Iran while simultaneously maintaining external pressure on the country.
For the Iranian government, the current situation presents a major challenge: dealing with economic problems caused by sanctions while also preventing public discontent and political divisions from becoming more serious.
Tehran’s Position
Pezeshkian’s latest remarks indicate that Tehran views US sanctions as more than an economic measure, portraying them instead as part of a broader strategy of pressure against Iran.
According to the Iranian president, efforts to weaken Iran involve not only creating economic difficulties but also attempting to generate instability within society.
Amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States, the pressure created by sanctions and their economic and political consequences are likely to remain significant. For Tehran, maintaining economic stability, preserving public confidence and strengthening internal unity will remain major challenges, while continued pressure from Washington could create further difficulties for the Iranian economy.
