Iran: Sanctions Harsher than a Physical War

InsideIran -- Mahmoud Bahmani, head of Iran’s Central Bank, announced this week that the conditions imposed by sanctions on the country are much harsher than a physical war.

According to the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA), during a meeting with Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Bahmani criticized “a group of people who have not yet believed the country is under sanctions.” These remarks were made in reference to the Iranian regime’s harsh propaganda which has minimized the damaging effect of sanctions imposed by the United States and the European .

The head of Iran’s Central Bank added, “This group thinks that the conditions are normal and the [country’s economic] laws and provisions should also be normal. However, the conditions are hard, and harsh circumstances call for harsh measures.” Bahmani did not specify what such harsh measures should be taken.

The Islamic Republic’s Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization in charge of planning the growth and expansion of the country’s economy. The meeting between the head of the Central Bank and the Chamber of Commerce is known as one of the most important gatherings with the private sector in the country.

According to the BBC Persian service, Bahmani described Iran’s private sector as the key to combating the sanctions. He urged the private sector to offer solutions and assist the country in order to deal with the current economic crisis.

Bahmani continued, “Sanctioning the Central Bank is immoral and fundamentally wrong. However, if they do happen to sanction [the Central Bank], we have to be ready to manage the country as if we were under siege for two years and needed to survive.”

Despite objections of the Obama administration, the US Senate unanimously approved economic sanctions on Iran earlier this month which targeted the country’s oil industry. This action takes place following the decision by the British government to cut off all ties and transactions with Iran’s Central Bank.

“During the Iran-Iraq War many thing were done with ease, but the situation is different today. Surviving the current conditions is only possible with unity, adaptation, and understanding,” Bahmani added.