Iran’s President Pezeshkian Defiantly Responds to UN ‘Snapback’ Sanctions: “They Cannot Stop Us”
DUBAI, Sept 21 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a bold and defiant response to the UN Security Council’s recent move not to permanently lift sanctions on Iran, vowing that his country will endure and resist through intellect, unity, and resilience.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian declared:
“Through the ‘snapback’ they block the road, but it is the brains and the thoughts that open or build the road.”
Referencing the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities—sites that were reportedly targeted by US and Israeli strikes in June—the president emphasized that Iran’s true strength lies not in infrastructure, but in its people.
“They cannot stop us. They can strike Natanz or Fordow, but they are unaware that it is humans who built and will rebuild Natanz,” Pezeshkian stated.
The United Nations Security Council’s decision followed a push by Britain, France, and Germany, who initiated a 30-day process to reimpose sanctions on Tehran, citing Iran’s alleged non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement designed to curb its potential to develop nuclear weapons. Iran, however, firmly denies any ambition to pursue nuclear armament.
“We will never surrender in the face of excessive demands because we have the power to change the situation,” Pezeshkian insisted.
Under the snapback mechanism, unless an agreement is struck between Iran and European powers within the coming week, UN sanctions could be fully reinstated. These would include:
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Arms embargo
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Ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
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Restrictions on ballistic missile activity
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Global asset freezes
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Travel bans on Iranian officials and entities
In parallel, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warned that if the snapback sanctions are reinstated, Iran would suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Earlier this month, Iran and the IAEA announced a tentative agreement to resume inspections at key nuclear sites, including those bombed in recent attacks, but have yet to provide clear details.