CaliToday (26/9/2025): The President of Iran delivered a defiant message to the international community this morning, declaring that Tehran is fully prepared to confront any and all sanctions scenarios and will adjust its national policies accordingly should United Nations sanctions be reimposed. The statement comes at a moment of heightened tension as diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran's nuclear program continue to falter.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that years of economic pressure have hardened the nation's resolve and fostered a resilient, self-sufficient economy.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has endured the most severe and unjust sanctions for many years. We have learned to stand on our own feet," President Pezeshkian said. "Should our adversaries make the mistake of triggering the snapback mechanism and re-imposing UN sanctions, they should know that we are ready. We have plans in place to manage the economy and will not hesitate to adjust our foreign and nuclear policies in response."
This declaration is a direct response to recent discussions among Western nations, particularly the United States and the E3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom), about potentially invoking the "snapback" provision of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
The 'Snapback' Mechanism and Escalating Tensions
The "snapback" mechanism is a controversial provision within the original JCPOA agreement. It allows any of the original signatory nations to unilaterally trigger a process that would re-impose the international UN sanctions on Iran that were lifted when the deal was first implemented. This can be done if a signatory believes Iran is in significant non-compliance with its nuclear commitments.
Tensions have been escalating for months. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly reported that Iran has expanded its nuclear program far beyond the limits set by the JCPOA, including enriching uranium to higher levels of purity and limiting access for international inspectors.
Iran maintains that its actions are a direct and legal response to the United States' withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the subsequent re-imposition of unilateral U.S. sanctions. Tehran argues that it cannot be expected to adhere to its commitments while the other parties fail to deliver on their promise of economic relief.
Potential Policy Adjustments
While the President's statement did not specify the exact policy adjustments Tehran might make, analysts suggest several possibilities:
Accelerated Nuclear Activity: Iran could further increase its uranium enrichment levels, potentially moving closer to weapons-grade purity. It might also reduce its cooperation with the IAEA even more, possibly expelling inspectors.
Regional Military Posture: Tehran could enhance its support for allied proxy groups across the Middle East, increasing regional instability.
Economic Realignment: Iran would likely deepen its economic and strategic partnerships with Russia and China, further shifting its focus away from the West and solidifying a bloc of nations opposed to the U.S.-led international order.
The President's firm stance is intended as both a message of reassurance to the Iranian people and a clear warning to Western capitals. It signals that Tehran does not intend to capitulate to renewed pressure and believes it can weather another storm of international isolation, even as its economy continues to face significant challenges. The international community now watches closely to see if diplomacy can find an off-ramp before the world slides into a new sanctions crisis with Iran.
