Iranian Ambassador to France Blames Sanctions for Public Protests, Calls for Their Removal

iranian Ambassador Links Protests to Economic Hardship From Sanctions

Paris, France – Iran’s Ambassador to France, Mohammad Aminnezhed, has publicly attributed the recent wave of public demonstrations within Iran primarily to the severe economic pressures caused by international sanctions. The Ambassador’s statements, delivered in an interview, come as Iran continues to navigate a period of social and political unrest.

Acknowledging Grievances and External Factors

Aminnezhed confirmed that Iranian authorities have formally acknowledged the demands voiced during the protests, which he characterized as initially stemming from genuine economic concerns. he argued,however,that the situation was deliberately complicated by external forces seeking to destabilize the nation. According to the Ambassador, these outside interventions actively hijacked what began as legitimate expressions of discontent and escalated them into violence.

The Impact of Sanctions

The Ambassador directly connected the economic hardships facing Iranian citizens to the re-imposition of sanctions following the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018. These sanctions have considerably impacted Iran’s oil exports, banking sector, and overall economic stability. According to a recent report by the atlantic Council (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/iran-source/), Iran’s oil revenue has decreased by billions of dollars sence 2018.

A History of economic Pressure

Sanctions against Iran have a long and complex history,dating back to the 1979 revolution. While intended to modify Iranian behavior,thay have frequently resulted in widespread economic difficulties for the Iranian population. The current situation echoes previous periods of intense economic pressure and social unrest. The World Bank estimates (https://www.worldbank.org/country/iran) that Iran’s economy contracted by 3.9% in 2019 following the re-imposition of US sanctions.

Government Response and Internet Restrictions

Aminnezhed indicated that the Iranian government is actively implementing policy reforms and resource management strategies to address the economic challenges, but emphasized that lifting sanctions remains the most effective solution, particularly for the country’s youth. He defended the government’s decision to temporarily restrict internet access during the protests, claiming it was a necessary step to quell violence and safeguard lives. This action, while controversial, reflects a common tactic employed by governments facing widespread demonstrations.

Resilience and the Path Forward

despite facing decades of external pressure, the Ambassador expressed confidence in the Islamic Republic’s ability to endure. He cited the 2015 nuclear accord as a presentation of how sanctions relief can lead to economic recovery and a renewed sense of hope among the Iranian people.The Ambassador reiterated that a return to a comprehensive agreement, and the subsequent lifting of sanctions, would be the most constructive path forward.

Event	Date	Impact
US Withdrawal from JCPOA	2018	Re-imposition of Sanctions, economic Decline
Recent Protests Begin	Late 2022 – Early 2023	Highlight Economic Grievances, Lead to Government Response
ambassador’s Statement	January 2026	Attribution of Protests to Sanctions and External Interference

The situation in Iran remains volatile. Understanding the interplay between economic hardship, political grievances, and external influences is crucial to grasping the complexities of the current unrest.

What role do international sanctions play in shaping domestic political landscapes? And what long-term solutions can address the economic concerns fueling protests in Iran?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.

why does the Iranian Ambassador to France blame sanctions for the recent public protests?

Iranian Ambassador to France blames Sanctions for Public Protests, Calls for Their Removal

Paris, France – January 25, 2026 – In a strongly worded statement released earlier today, iranian Ambassador to France, ali ahani, directly linked ongoing public protests within Iran to the crippling economic sanctions imposed by international powers. He issued a fervent call for the immediate removal of these sanctions,arguing they are the primary driver of social unrest and economic hardship facing the Iranian population.

Ambassador Ahani’s Core Arguments

The Ambassador’s address, delivered to a gathering of journalists and political analysts in Paris, centered on several key points:

* Economic Devastation: Ahani detailed the severe impact of sanctions on Iran’s economy, citing reduced oil exports, restricted access to international financial markets, and a significant decline in the value of the Iranian Rial. He emphasized the resulting inflation and unemployment rates, wich disproportionately affect lower and middle-class families.

* Impact on Essential Goods: The ambassador highlighted the difficulties in importing essential goods, including medicine and food, due to sanctions-related restrictions.He claimed this has led to shortages and increased prices, exacerbating the suffering of ordinary citizens.

* Fueling Discontent: Ahani asserted that the economic pressures created by sanctions are directly fueling public discontent and contributing to the recent wave of protests. He characterized the protests not as a challenge to the iranian government itself,but as an expression of frustration over deteriorating living conditions.

* Double Standards: The Ambassador criticized what he described as “double standards” in international policy, pointing to the lifting of sanctions against other nations while Iran continues to face stringent restrictions.

Historical Context: Iran Sanctions Timeline

The history of sanctions against Iran is complex,evolving over decades in response to its nuclear program and regional policies. Key milestones include:

1. 1979 – Present: Following the Iranian Revolution, the United States imposed initial sanctions.
2. 2006 – 2015: Sanctions intensified due to concerns over iran’s nuclear activities, led by UN Security Council resolutions.
3. 2015 – 2018: The Joint Thorough Plan of action (JCPOA),or Iran nuclear deal,led to a temporary lifting of sanctions in exchange for limitations on Iran’s nuclear program.
4. 2018 – Present: The United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions, with subsequent rounds of additional restrictions. These actions have been a major point of contention.

The Current Protest landscape in Iran

Recent protests in Iran, sparked initially by rising fuel prices in late 2024, have broadened to encompass a wider range of grievances, including economic hardship, political restrictions, and social issues. Reports indicate demonstrations have taken place in numerous cities across the country, with varying levels of intensity.

The Iranian government has responded with a crackdown on protests, leading to arrests and reports of violence. International organizations have expressed concern over the use of force against protesters and called for restraint.

Geopolitical Implications & Regional Reactions

Ambassador Ahani’s statements come at a sensitive time, as negotiations surrounding the potential revival of the JCPOA remain stalled. European powers, including France, have been attempting to mediate between Iran and the United States, but progress has been limited.

* European Position: France, along with Germany and the united Kingdom, has consistently expressed support for the JCPOA and urged all parties to return to compliance. However,European officials have also voiced concerns over Iran’s regional activities and its ballistic missile program.

* US Stance: the United States maintains a firm stance on sanctions, linking their removal to verifiable changes in Iran’s nuclear program and its regional behavior.

* regional Impact: The situation in Iran has significant implications for regional stability, especially in countries bordering Iran, such as Iraq, Turkey, and the Gulf states.Increased instability in Iran could perhaps led to spillover effects in the region.

Iran’s Geography and Economic Vulnerabilities

Understanding Iran’s geographical position is crucial to understanding its economic vulnerabilities. As highlighted by Nations Online Project, much of Iran is situated on the Iranian Plateau, limiting arable land and creating logistical challenges. This, coupled with its reliance on oil exports, makes the country particularly susceptible to economic shocks caused by sanctions. The coastal regions at the Caspian Sea and the Khuzestan Province (Persian Gulf) represent key economic zones, but are also vulnerable to disruptions in trade and transportation.

Potential Pathways Forward

Several potential pathways could lead to de-escalation and a resolution of the current crisis:

* Revival of the JCPOA: A return to the JCPOA, with verifiable safeguards, could provide a framework for lifting sanctions and easing economic pressures on Iran.

* Humanitarian Exemptions: Expanding humanitarian exemptions to sanctions could allow for the unimpeded flow of essential goods, such as medicine and food, to the Iranian population.

* Dialog and Diplomacy: Continued dialogue between Iran and international powers, facilitated by neutral mediators, is essential for addressing underlying concerns and building trust.

* Internal Reforms: Addressing internal grievances through political and economic reforms could help to alleviate public discontent and promote stability.