Iran prepares for sanctions: 'We will not end up like Venezuela'

Iran prepares for sanctions: 'We won't end up like Venezuela' The Iranian government has vowed to resist new U.S. economic pressures, with President Masoud Pezeshkian warning that Tehran will not succumb to the measures promised by former President Donald Trump. In a televised address, Pezeshkian emphasized that the United States had underestimated Iran's resilience, stating that the country has become a global power rather than collapsing into chaos as feared. He acknowledged current societal challenges, including inflation and declining purchasing power, but stressed the need to avoid internal divisions amid ongoing economic hardship. The situation reflects a broader conflict described by Pezeshkian as a "war of economy, military and security on a large scale." The president warned that while the U.S. aims to impose crushing sanctions, Iran is prepared to counter these efforts. Recent protests, particularly those held in December, have highlighted public frustration over rising living costs and economic instability, though they were violently suppressed. Pezeshkian reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining social unity despite external pressures. On the other side, high-ranking officials within Iran have adopted a firm stance against American economic tactics. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi called U.S. threats a sign of its desperation, asserting that Iran has repeatedly faced such strategies and knows how to respond effectively. Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, head of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the U.S. changes its approach and honors its commitments. This statement underscores the deepening tensions between the two nations. In addition to diplomatic posturing, Iran has taken steps to protect its interests through both conventional and unconventional means. Reports indicate that Iranian hackers have launched a cyberattack on Britain’s energy infrastructure, causing a four-day outage at a power plant. Such actions highlight the growing use of digital warfare as part of the broader geopolitical struggle. These incidents suggest that Iran is willing to escalate its response beyond traditional economic and military channels. Efforts to de-escalate the situation have included diplomatic initiatives. Pakistani General Asim Munir, acting as a mediator, is set to visit Tehran this week in hopes of restarting dialogue. However, the effectiveness of such talks remains uncertain given the entrenched positions of both sides. The U.S., led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has signaled its intent to weaken Iran’s leadership, potentially targeting Chinese oil refineries or implementing land-based blockades following previous port restrictions. Meanwhile, China, Iran’s largest trading partner, has rejected U.S. pressure, arguing that sanctions and economic coercion will not resolve the regional conflict. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that all parties should engage in political and diplomatic solutions rather than unilateral punitive measures. This position aligns with broader concerns among major powers about the destabilizing effects of prolonged economic confrontation. As the standoff continues, the Iranian government maintains that it possesses multiple strategic advantages. Officials have hinted at potential retaliation against U.S. economic interests, emphasizing that past attacks have targeted military installations, but future actions could extend to financial institutions and commercial entities. This shift signals a more aggressive posture, suggesting that Iran is ready to defend its sovereignty through a range of tools, both visible and hidden.