Pezeshkian cites all-out war and economic strain as US sanctions intensify

State television address

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a speech on state television on 23 August 2026, acknowledging that the country faces severe internal difficulties under mounting external pressure. The address came in direct response to a sanctions campaign announced by the United States that Washington stated is designed to cause the collapse of the Iranian regime. Pezeshkian framed the current confrontation as a total war spanning economic, military, and security domains, pointing to punitive measures directed by US President Donald Trump. He stated that the Iranian government is undertaking all possible measures to prevent economic and social conditions from deteriorating further nearly six months into the war.

We are engaged in a total war on the economic, military, and security levels. He bluntly states that he is imposing the most crushing or fearsome sanctions on Iran.

Economic hardship and protest history

The Iranian government faces compounding domestic crises rooted in persistent inflation, livelihood shortages, and unemployment. Pezeshkian stated that his administration is working to stabilise living conditions so that citizens can maintain their livelihoods with dignity. The economic deterioration follows repeated waves of public unrest across Iran over recent years, driven by falling purchasing power and rising prices. In late December, demonstrations against the rising cost of living expanded into a widespread movement challenging state authority. Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 deaths during those demonstrations, attributing the violence to terrorist acts orchestrated by the United States and Israel, while foreign-based human rights non-governmental organisations reported that thousands died in crackdowns by state security forces.

We strive with all our heart to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, and unemployment, and to secure the future of the people so that they can live with dignity and pride.

Diplomatic warnings and judicial execution

Iranian authorities coupled their economic statements with warnings to the international community regarding the enforcement of American sanctions. Mohsen Rezai, head of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, announced on 22 August 2026 that Tehran will classify any country participating in the economic measures as an enemy. Rezai called on foreign governments to refuse participation in the American pressure strategy. Concurrently, the Iranian judiciary announced on 23 August 2026 that authorities executed an individual convicted of operating on behalf of the United States and Israel during the January protests.

We warn all countries: do not join the economic war waged by the United States. Any country that participates in the imposition of economic restrictions against us will be considered an enemy.

Confrontation enters sixth month

The exchange reflects an intensifying standoff following Washington's announcement on 20 August 2026 promising to collapse the Iranian government through comprehensive economic isolation. Nearly six months after the outbreak of the war, the United States has expanded trade and financial restrictions against Tehran. Iranian leadership has responded by attempting to deter third-party compliance through diplomatic threats while managing domestic supply disruptions. Pezeshkian maintained that state institutions will continue prioritising basic welfare and economic resilience despite the scope of foreign sanctions.