Speaking at a conference in Tehran on May 15, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref declared that US economic pressure measures will not be able to change the will and determination of the Iranian people. He stressed that despite numerous challenges, Iran remains steadfast in pursuing its development goals and protecting national sovereignty.
At the forum, Aref argued that the sanctions and pressure from Washington target not only the government but also the entire Iranian people, yet this will only make them more united and resilient. He called on domestic ministries and businesses to strengthen cooperation and utilize all internal resources to overcome the difficult period.
According to the Iranian official, external pressure efforts will not yield the expected results, as history has shown that the Iranian nation always knows how to turn challenges into opportunities. He also reiterated that Iran is ready for dialogue based on mutual respect, but will never accept any conditions that infringe upon national interests and national dignity.
These statements come amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, particularly after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions. Iran has repeatedly affirmed that it will continue to develop its nuclear program for peaceful purposes and will not yield to any pressure.
