Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on August 26, 2026, that new U.S. economic sanctions will achieve “nothing” against the Islamic Republic. Speaking to local media, including the Iranian news agency ISNA, Pezeshkian dismissed the effectiveness of Washington’s latest financial measures.
Defiance Amid Escalating Sanctions
“With the measures implemented by our government’s economic agencies, the United States will accomplish nothing through its current economic pressure — just as it achieved nothing during the war,” Pezeshkian said. His remarks come days after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a new plan on August 24 aimed at inducing “economic suffocation” in Iran. The initiative reinforces threats of expanded American sanctions and warns foreign governments against participating in any coordinated response to them.
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s longstanding stance: “Our principle is to understand and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation — but at the same time, we will resist economic pressure, as we have done consistently, and continue to do so.”
Military Readiness Reinforced
In parallel, the Iranian military announced full restoration of all weapon systems damaged during recent hostilities — and confirmed the introduction of new equipment into service. Brigadier General Mohammad Akrminiya, spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces, told state television that repairs had been completed across all branches and that newly acquired systems — some domestically produced and others imported — had significantly enhanced combat capabilities.
“All systems belonging to all forces that sustained damage have been restored, and new systems have also been introduced,” Akrminiya said. “These acquisitions — made possible through Iran’s defense industry, the armed forces, and select foreign procurement — have strengthened our operational readiness.”
Context: Conflict and Fragile Ceasefire
The regional conflict erupted in late February 2026 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against targets inside Iran. Tehran retaliated, focusing its attacks primarily on U.S. allies in the Middle East. A ceasefire declared in April ended nearly 40 days of intense bombardment — yet sporadic clashes, especially near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, have undermined prospects for a lasting peace agreement.
Akrminiya added that Iran has taken “significant steps” to rebuild and upgrade damaged assets. He also reaffirmed Tehran’s legal justification for preemptive action, citing international law and the UN Charter — provided such actions respect the principles of proportionality and necessity.