Iran vows economic self-reliance amid fresh U.S. sanctions and wartime strain

Facing a fresh wave of U.S. sanctions aimed at pressuring Tehran during a six-month conflict, Iran's leadership insists its economy will endure through domestic capacity building. Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh presented a two-year plan that emphasizes self-sufficiency and the possibility of an offensive stance as global powers question U.S. threats. Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati told business leaders that cash reserves for essential imports are secured beyond U.S. access, despite a near-total collapse of oil revenues.

The state has begun rationing energy, stockpiling food, gold and foreign currency, and urging younger Iranians to manufacture household necessities. Agriculture Minister Gholam-Reza Nouri announced a target of 90 % food self-sufficiency, while the health sector reports shortages of nearly 1,000 medicines. Fuel shortages and power blackouts persist, prompting promises to keep prices stable through the end of the current month.