President Hassan Rouhani noted that due to its concerns over the Iranian nation’s capabilities, the United States is conducting a “maximum pressure” campaign, but such efforts will be futile.
Speaking at a meeting between the Cabinet and governor generals, Rouhani pointed to America’s harsher-than-ever policies against Iranians and called for countermeasures to withstand the pressure.
“They are seeking to create restrictions on our foreign exchange incomes, transport and banking … We need to stand up to the measures in all three areas and find effective solutions,” he was quoted as saying by his website.
The US reinstated strictest sanctions on Tehran after it withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal last May.
“They admit that the pressure is unprecedented … sometimes, half of the American government’s activities are focused on our region and largely on Iran,” Rouhani said, implying that such intensified effort is made due to Iran’s strong power of resistance.
Border Trade
Rouhani also pointed to markets in border areas and free trade zones as gateways for providing relief for the country’s sanctions-hit economy.
“The governor generals of the provinces that have free trade zones should turn these areas into centers for export and import of materials needed for manufacturing,” he said.
He also described non-oil export as the main component of his administration’s policy, stressing that it has seen a favorable growth this year.
“Based on information from a number of provinces, their non-oil export has been 50-60% more than last year, which indicates we have taken the right path,” he said.
Provinces located on the country’s borders have a greater potential for export and Rouhani called on their officials to work toward better interaction with their neighboring countries.
“The governor generals of border provinces have a heavier responsibility,” he added.
He called on provincial officials to report any problem facing the export sector and urged ministers to give priority to their resolution.
Rouhani noted that private sector engagement is also an ideal way of improving relations with neighboring countries.
“We should devolve part of the tasks to the private sector,” he said, adding that Iran’s private firms should be in contact with those of neighboring countries.
