Iranian Economy Minister Asserts Independence from US Treasury

Sana'a: Iranian Minister of Economy and Finance Ali Madani Zadeh declared that the notion of altering the Iranian people's decisions through economic pressure is misguided. He underscored that the architects of Iran's economy are its own people, not the US Treasury. According to Yemen News Agency, Madani Zadeh, responding to recent US Treasury Secretary statements about intensifying sanctions on Iran, stated, "The Iranian economy comprises millions of active participants, including citizens, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, producers, exporters, traders, farmers, engineers, and others, who have managed to find new ways to continue their activities despite the sanctions." He affirmed that trade, production, exports, and imports are ongoing, basic goods are available, and many countries do not adhere to US policy. Additionally, he noted that cooperation with regional and friendly nations has thwarted the sanctions' intended objectives. The minister acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the country, ass erting that the responsibility to address these challenges lies with the Iranian government and its people, rather than the US Treasury. Madani Zadeh highlighted his government's focus on structural reforms, enhancing productivity, and boosting trade, production, investment, and economic relations. This includes diversifying trading partners, expanding regional trade, supporting the private sector, reducing dependence on oil, and increasing non-oil exports. He emphasized that enduring economic costs does not equate to surrender, stating that the Iranian people have borne these costs but remain steadfast. He elaborated that confronting American pressure hinges on economic resistance and internal reforms, with the people continuing to build their economy and determine their own future. Madani Zadeh concluded by saying, "The United States may make financial pathways more difficult, but it cannot impose sanctions on the will of a people, and it will not achieve its economic war objectives, just as it failed t o achieve its military objectives."