Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that American sanctions are causing significant damage to his country's economy, marking a reversal from his recent statements dismissing the effectiveness of US measures. In an interview with state television, Pezeshkian addressed those who claim the sanctions have no impact: "There are those who say sanctions have no effect at all; to these people, I really don't know what to say."
The Iranian leader described his country as being in a state of war, saying Iran must accept these wartime conditions. According to Pezeshkian, Iranian exports and imports have declined between 25% and 35% in recent months due to the combined pressure of sanctions and the American naval blockade.
Pezeshkian warned that if sanctions continue, the country could face serious problems.
Israeli and American security officials are concerned that Iran, with its back against the wall economically, may resort to military action against American targets in the Middle East or against Israel. As a result, the Israel Defense Forces and the US military are strengthening their operational coordination and intelligence-sharing efforts.
