Iran's President Warns US Pressure Will Achieve Nothing

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian warned Wednesday that the United States will achieve "nothing" through new economic measures announced against the Islamic republic, which Washington has threatened to "strangle." The US intensified pressure this week with a new round of "secondary" sanctions targeting Iran's trade partners in gold, technology, digital assets, aviation, and maritime sectors. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented the plan Monday, warning of consequences for countries refusing to join Washington's campaign. Pezeshkian, considered a moderate, acknowledged Iran faces "numerous economic difficulties" after decades of sanctions. The conflict began with US and Israeli bombing campaigns on February 28. Iran conditions reopening the Strait of Hormuz on US compliance with a bilateral memorandum, while negotiating a framework with Oman for a temporary corridor and mine removal operations.