Defying economic crisis, Iran has proclaimed that the US “will soon kneel” before the Islamic Republic.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi (pictured) tweeted on Friday that US sanctions will not lead to Iranian concessions, with a reference to the Black Lives Matter marches:

A government whose policy is relying on “knee on neck” of either its own people or others around the world, should be indeed happy with economic terrorism and pressure on the public.

But you see that not the Iranians’ neck, but your knee was wrung. You will soon kneel in front of the Iranian Nation.

Mousavi cited recent comments by US special envoy Brian Hook, expressing satisfaction at the effect of sanctions and invoking Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s conditions for negotiations.

The Trump Administration withdrew in May 2018 from Iran’s nuclear agreement with the 5+1 Powers (US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia). In November 2018, the Administration imposed comprehensive sanctions, including on Iranian energy and financial sectors.

“Enemy Has Not Been Able to Stop Us”

Mousavi’s statement was one of a series by Iranian officials, after the currency matched an all-time low amid a 15% contraction in GDP because of Coronavirus, sanctions, and long-standing economic issues.

President Hassan Rouhani said at a Thursday ceremony for industrial and mining projects, “The sanctions cannot affect the Iranian nation’s will….The enemy has not been able to stop us and force us to surrender.”

First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri proclaimed on Saturday, “Iran’s economy has faced challenges by the US sanctions, however, it is still running despite the US’ wish to overturn it”.

Iran’s oil exports have fallen between 80% and 95% since April 2018. Inflation is about 40%; production and trade are down, including a 53% reduction in exports to China, Tehran’s largest customer; corruption is widespread; and unemployment is rising.

Nationwide protests were suppressed in November, with at least 304 demonstrators killed by security forces.