Cairo, Egypt – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that his country will not succumb to pressure after the reimposition of international sanctions. He added, “Roads may be closed by restrictions, but minds are capable of opening up alternatives.” He emphasized that attacks on nuclear facilities such as Natanz or Fordow “will not stop Iran, because the one who built them is capable of rebuilding them.”
UN resolution restores pre-nuclear deal atmosphere
Pezeshkian’s remarks came after the UN Security Council voted to continue sanctions. This was based on a joint British-French-German motion accusing Tehran of failing to comply with its nuclear commitments. The resolution rekindles the atmosphere of siege that Iran experienced before the 2015 agreement.
Threat to suspend cooperation with the IAEA
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has threatened that reimposing sanctions could mean halting cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This risks further escalating tensions between Tehran and the West.
Sanctions strangle the Iranian economy
The new sanctions include an arms embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment, a halt to ballistic missile programs, and an asset freeze on Iranian individuals and entities. Observers believe the measures will increase economic pressure on Tehran, but may also push it to strengthen its alliances with Moscow and Beijing.