Pezeshkian Says Iran Faces Its Toughest Blockade Since 1979 Revolution, Accuses US of Seeking Unrest
The Iranian president says Washington is using economic pressure to fuel public anger, as the US blockade of Iranian ports deepens tensions over the Strait of Hormuz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Thursday that Iran was facing its most intense blockade and hardships since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, accusing the United States of deliberately worsening living conditions to provoke public protests and destabilize the country.
“Over the 48 years since the Revolution, we have never faced such intense blockade, war and difficulties as we are facing now,” Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast by Iranian state television.
He accused Washington of seeking to increase economic and social pressure on ordinary Iranians, hoping that growing public frustration would lead to unrest and help the United States achieve its objectives.
“The people become upset and face difficulties, and then for social protests to emerge so that they can achieve their sinister objectives,” Pezeshkian said.
The remarks come as the United States maintains a blockade on Iranian ports following Tehran’s closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The US measures have diverted or halted vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports, adding to the economic pressure on Tehran and escalating the confrontation between the two countries.
Iran and the United States have been at war since Feb. 28, when US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has intensified regional tensions and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused Washington and Israel of encouraging unrest inside the country. The latest confrontation follows a wave of protests that erupted in Iran in late December 2025 over the rising cost of living.
Pezeshkian’s remarks underscore Tehran’s position that external pressure is intended not only to weaken Iran economically but also to intensify domestic discontent as the conflict continues.