Iranian president admits country faces 'many difficulties'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged on Sunday that the country is grappling with numerous difficulties, coinciding with the United States' intensified pressure through new economic sanctions.

Responding to the U.S. strategy, which Washington describes as an effort to "collapse the regime," Pezeshkian stated, "We are immersed in a total war on the economic, military, and security fronts. He [U.S. President Donald Trump] plainly states he is imposing the most forceful or most fearsome sanctions on Iran."

"I am aware that our society is currently facing numerous difficulties. We are doing everything we can to prevent the situation from worsening," the president added. He further insisted, "We are striving with all our hearts to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, unemployment, and ensure the future of the people, so that they can live with dignity and pride."

In recent years, the Iranian government has faced waves of protests, often triggered by a deteriorating economic situation, high inflation, and a decline in purchasing power. In late December, demonstrations against the rising cost of living rapidly evolved into a broad movement challenging the government. Authorities reported over 3,000 deaths in these protests, attributing them to "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the United States and Israel, while overseas NGOs report a severe crackdown on demonstrators.