Raisi: Enemies frustrated over Iran's anti-sanctions measures

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen Net
1 Feb 2023 00:28
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The Iranian President says Tehran's increase in oil sales and domestic production angers the enemies of the Islamic Republic.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed on Tuesday that the current economic data indicate that the country is in a stage of development, considering that "it is natural [for enemies] to conspire against the country."

In an interview for Iran's state television, Raisi said that "sanctions and riots are two sides of the same coin," adding that "the increase in our oil sales and production are things that anger our enemies."

The Iranian President pointed out that "Tehran has a good and reassuring reserve of foreign currencies," and that "the enemies are enraged by its anti-sanctions measures."

Ever since Iran gained complete autonomy following its 1979 revolution, the country has been the target of excruciating sanctions imposed by the West.

Despite the injustice, Iran managed to gain 100% military self-sufficiency and develop its industrial complex to advanced levels, defying all odds as the West scrambles to subdue the nation.

The government aims to establish food security for the nation

The Iranian President also commented on the proposed solution that aims to secure economic stability, saying, "What the government and I pursue on a daily basis is establishing food security for the people, and we believe that these [price] fluctuations are not in anyone's interest."

He continued, "The rising price of goods hurts us [government] first. Therefore, we are well aware of it," adding that "what causes [our] people's suffering is painful to us too."

No budget deficit

Raisi highlighted the major accomplishments the government achieved in the past year regarding the budget deficit that the country faced.

According to the head of state, last year's budget deficit amounted to 480 thousand billion tomans, while this year, the government was able to strike a balance between its expenditures and revenues, which led to ending the deficit.

"Of course, the budget has defects and must be amended. During this period, the government tried to address the budget deficit, and given the increase in expenditures, this step is considered big for the current government."

In August 2022, the Iranian President announced attracting $5.160 billion of domestic and foreign capital despite the embargo and sanctions imposed on the country during the previous year, noting then that this indicates the success of his government in achieving economic stability .

Raisi explained that over the past year, the level of trade exchange increased at least four times, pointing out that "the level of Iranian exports indicates a lack of recognition of the embargo measures."

"We paid the debts of the previous government, and despite the [previous] budget deficit, the salaries of employees were not delayed even for a day."