TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would not surrender to mounting U.S. economic pressure, accusing Washington of trying to force Tehran into submission by worsening living conditions in the country.
Pezeshkian made the remarks during a meeting with Indian religious leaders, prominent figures and business representatives in New Delhi, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, citing Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
“Since the United States cannot force Iranians to surrender through bullying, it seeks to make them capitulate owing to livelihood problems and a lack of facilities. However, the Iranian people will not surrender,” Pezeshkian said.
The Iranian leader also condemned what he described as a U.S. naval blockade and economic war against his country.
He accused Washington of seeking to undermine Iran’s independence but vowed Tehran would resist the pressure.
The United States has intensified economic pressure on Iran in recent months, including measures aimed at countries and businesses providing an economic lifeline to Tehran.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he called “the most crushing economic operation ever taken” against countries helping Iran, describing the campaign as economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale.
Iran has also faced a U.S.-imposed naval blockade for several months, according to Xinhua.
Pezeshkian said the measures would not force his government or the Iranian public to capitulate.
“But we will not bow to its bullying,” he said.
With reports from Xinhua News Agency
