Iran to stand firm in face of US economic, psychological war

President Hassan Rouhani says the Iranian nation will stand firm in the face of an “economic” and “psychological” war being waged by the United States against the Islamic Republic.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, Rouhani said Washington is targeting the Iranian nation with an “economic, propaganda and psychological war.” 

“The nation will once again defend its dignity and independence, and will not surrender to the enemy,” he said.

“If our nation gives in to the US, then it will have to capitulate until the end; this would mean that we should abandon our country, dignity, independence and identity,” he added.

The Islamic Republic, he said, “is always open to negotiations” provided the party seeking talks on a certain topic respects international regulations and the nation’s dignity.

Rouhani, however, noted that the country would not accept any pressure and violations of its national rights.

The Iranian chief executive further hailed the mass participation of people in rallies which marked the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, saying the nationwide demonstrations conveyed the message that the enemy plots, especially those hatched by the US, will fail to break the nation’s will

On Monday, millions of Iranians poured out into the streets across the country in support of the Islamic establishment.

The massive turnout came despite the stepped-up pressure campaign on Iran under the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Trump’s hostile approach intensified last year, when he unilaterally withdrew America from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and unleashed the “toughest ever” sanctions against Iran.

The White House has also warned its European allies in the JCPOA against seeking to circumvent the sanctions.

However, France, Germany and Britain defied US threats and recently launched the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchange (INSTEX), a financial mechanism meant to protect Tehran-Europe trade ties against US bans.