WANA (Sep 23) – Iran’s government spokesperson reiterated Iran’s clear stance on defence, stating: “The government’s position in this regard is absolutely clear; for defending our people, we do not seek permission from anyone.”

 

President Pezeshkian’s Speech at the UN Scheduled

Fatemeh Mohajerani, in a press briefing this morning, said: “The president’s trip is an opportunity to speak about our several-thousand-year-old civilization and the achievements of our people. It is also a chance for dialogue with those who are willing.”

 

She added that the president’s speech at the United Nations will take place on Wednesday at 17:30 Tehran time.

 

“As the Leader has emphasized, making use of diplomatic capacities is an important task that will be pursued during this trip,” Mohajerani stated.

 

The spokesperson further noted that meetings with Iranians abroad and with religious leaders will be held, and discussions regarding the possible return of Iranians to the country will also take place.

 

Government’s Alternative Strategies for Trade Amid “Snapback” Mechanism Concerns

In response to a question about government measures regarding alternative strategies for exports and imports amid talk of the “snapback” mechanism being activated, the spokesperson said:
“Even before the issue of activating the snapback was raised, the government’s strategy was based on utilizing the capacity of our neighbors and the region.”

 

She added: “This includes strengthening import and export channels, using cross-border markets and joint industrial zones, and developing shared trade capacities.”

 

According to Mohajerani, the government is working on:

  • Expanding trade with neighbouring countries to secure essential goods.
  • Diversifying and facilitating non-oil exports, with priority given to neighbours.
  • Conducting trade through barter arrangements.

 

She noted that last week, a delegation of Pakistani traders visited Tehran in a meeting organised by the Minister of Roads, Farzaneh Sadegh. “These are not just plans on paper,” she stressed, “but practical steps that are already being implemented.”

 

She further emphasised that expanding target markets and increasing the added value of domestic products are among the key objectives being pursued.

 

Iran: Snapback Mechanism is Illegal

Addressing the “snapback” mechanism, Mohajerani said, “From Iran’s perspective, the snapback is an illegal mechanism. Nevertheless, it does have significant psychological dimensions.”

 

She added, “The government has made preparations in this regard. Firstly, the diplomatic apparatus is working intensively to prevent the activation of this mechanism.”

 

She reiterated that Iran has never welcomed sanctions: “As the Leader has said, if there is even one hour’s opportunity to remove a sanction, work toward it. This is now the government’s policy.”

 

Europe’s Inaction After U.S. Withdrawal from JCPOA / Dialogue Must Be Reciprocal

Mohajerani also criticised European countries for their inaction after the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA: “Europeans did not assist Iran after America’s exit, and we witnessed heavy economic pressures imposed on Iran.”

 

She continued: “We welcome any opportunity for dialogue to resolve the people’s issues, but naturally, dialogue is a two-way action. Dialogue does not mean dictating one side’s views to the other—that is not dialogue.”

 

She stressed, “Negotiation means both sides sitting down and talking about an issue. This is very different from one side issuing orders. The government’s main effort is to prevent increased pressure and the reimposition of sanctions.”

 

We Will Not Compromise on Missile Power

Reiterating the government’s firm stance, Mohajerani said: “We have a very clear position: for defending our people, we do not seek permission from anyone.”

 

She added, “Over the past 12 days, everyone saw that alongside national unity, it was our missile power that defended our people. Just as during the eight years of the Sacred Defense—when we honor the memory of the martyrs and all those who sacrificed—the reality remains that no country can survive without the necessary military power.”

 

The spokesperson emphasised: “We neither seek permission for our missile capabilities, nor will we retreat from them if necessary. The security of our people is not negotiable. Negotiations are about security—and missiles are an inseparable part of our security.”

 

Mohajerani further said: The government is optimistic but has designed the most pessimistic scenarios regarding the activation of the snapback mechanism, and 60% enriched uranium is buried underground.

 

She emphasised: We will not neglect any diplomatic opportunity to uphold the rights of the people.

 

The government spokesperson stated, “Just as we believe in unity, we also believe in dialogue, but 50% of the issues must be resolved, and they must want them to be resolved. If they want to act arrogantly, then it is no longer called dialogue.”

 

We Have the Highest Level of Oil Production

Mohajerani, recalling the government’s focus on solar energy as one of the ways to reform and improve energy imbalance, emphasised that 2,555 megawatts of solar and thermal power plants have been added during this period. Also, according to the Oil Minister’s announcement, over the past seven years, we have currently the highest level of oil production, but investment as approved by the Economic Council and the use of the capacity of knowledge-based companies and a knowledge-driven economy will be helpful.