Rouhani: Those Who Say Sanctions Are Not Important Are Unaware of People's Struggles

The President of Iran emphasized that due to sanctions, every foreign product in Iran is 'at least 10 to 15 percent' more expensive, stating, 'Those who say sanctions are not important seem to be unaware of people's pockets.' According to ISNA news agency, Hassan Rouhani on Sunday, June 14, during a visit to North Khorasan province in the city of Bojnord, stressed, 'Those who say we should not speak or negotiate with foreigners seem to be unaware of people's lives.' Also reported by IRNA, Mr. Rouhani continued his remarks regarding the government's activities under sanctions, adding, 'This government has not sat idle waiting for sanctions to be lifted before it acts.' He clarified, 'We will lift these sanctions through the same United Nations that imposed them on this country.' Mr. Rouhani had also stated on Saturday in a press conference with journalists that Western sanctions against Iran are unsuccessful yet 'effective,' reiterating that sanctions even affect dam construction. A few days ago, the President of Iran stated that 'oppressive sanctions must be eliminated for investment to come and to resolve issues of the environment, youth employment, industry, society, and drinking water for the people.' In response to these remarks, the Head of the Judiciary, the Chairman of the Assembly of Experts, and some appointees of the Supreme Leader criticized linking Iran's economic problems and issues to nuclear negotiations and sanctions. On Tuesday, May 8, Mr. Rouhani also warned 'sanction brokers' in Iran to 'start thinking about another job.' The manner of lifting Western sanctions against Iran is one of the contentious issues in negotiations between Iran and the 1+5 group. Meanwhile, Iranian officials insist that 'immediately' after a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program, a resolution must be issued in the UN Security Council to annul all previous resolutions regarding 'Iran's nuclear issues.' Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, has described Iran's nuclear file as 'more complicated' due to the UN Security Council's sanctions resolutions than the negotiations of UN Resolution 598 regarding the end of the Iran-Iraq war. Since 2006, the Security Council has imposed four sanctions resolutions against the Iranian government, institutions, and individuals, and if an agreement is reached between Iran and the 1+5 group to lift these sanctions, the Security Council must approve a new resolution. The five veto-wielding members of this council, along with Germany, form the 1+5 group that is negotiating with Iran.