Iran’s Economy Minister Seyyed Ali Madanizadeh has dismissed US threats of intensified sanctions, insisting that Washington cannot force Iranian policy changes through economic coercion.
In a video message, Madanizadeh responded to recent remarks by US Treasury officials who vowed to tighten financial restrictions on the Islamic Republic. He argued that Iran’s economy has proven resilient, with businesses, traders, and producers developing alternative routes for trade and finance during years of sanctions.
"Trade, production, and the supply of essential goods continue," he said, adding that many nations have refused to align with US policies, while Iran has expanded dialogue with regional and allied countries to neutralize hostile measures.
The minister acknowledged domestic economic difficulties but placed responsibility for reform squarely on Iranian institutions and citizens. "They speak of collapse," he said. "We speak of restructuring, productivity, and investment."
Madanizadeh outlined a strategy focused on diversifying trade partners, expanding non-oil exports, reducing oil revenue dependence, reforming the banking system, and controlling inflation — all aimed at improving living standards, not satisfying Washington.
He drew a clear line between bearing economic costs and surrendering to external pressure. "The Iranian people have paid heavily but will never submit," he said, vowing a combination of resistance and internal reform.
Madanizadeh concluded with a blunt message to US officials: "They can complicate our financial paths, but they cannot sanction the will of a nation. Just as they failed to defeat us militarily, they will fail in this economic war."
