Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged on Sunday that the country is facing serious domestic difficulties as the United States intensifies economic pressure through a new round of sanctions.
"I understand we have many problems in society right now. We are trying to prevent these as much as we can," Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast on state television.
His remarks came after the United States said last week that its newly announced sanctions campaign was aimed at bringing about the "collapse" of the Iranian regime, nearly six months after the war began.
Pezeshkian said Iran was now "in a full-scale economic, military and security war" because of US President Donald Trump.
"He says he is imposing the most crushing and terrifying sanctions on Iran," Pezeshkian said.
Economic Hardship Has Fuelled Protests
Iran has witnessed several waves of mass protests in recent years, many triggered by economic pressures such as inflation, fluctuations in the exchange rate and declining purchasing power.
At the end of December last year, protests that initially began over the rising cost of living expanded into mass demonstrations against those in power.
Iranian authorities said more than 3,000 people died during the unrest and accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the violence.
Foreign-based non-governmental organisations, however, said the authorities carried out an indiscriminate crackdown that killed thousands.
Pezeshkian Vows To Tackle Inflation And Unemployment
Pezeshkian said his government was working to address the economic and social pressures confronting Iranians.
"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," Pezeshkian said on Sunday.
New US Sanctions Add To Pressure On Iran
The President's remarks came as Iran faced additional economic strain from Washington's latest sanctions campaign.
The fresh measures add to pressures already facing the Iranian economy, while Pezeshkian has framed the situation as part of a broader economic, military and security confrontation with the United States.
