Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Sep 19: Iran has no immediate concerns over the supply of essential goods despite what its officials described as “enemies’ propaganda”, Deputy Interior Minister for Political Affairs and ministry spokesperson Ali Zeinivand said on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Zeinivand said the country was importing essential goods in large quantities and was currently facing a shortage of storage facilities. He called on the private sector to assist with storage, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
“Iran's people should not be concerned about the supply of essential goods and impacted by the enemies' false propaganda. We are working optimally in this area,” Zeinivand said.
He acknowledged, however, that prices of domestically produced goods had increased and said authorities were taking measures to address the issue.
The remarks came amid intensified US economic pressure on Iran. US President Donald Trump has described Washington’s latest measures as an unprecedented economic campaign against countries providing Iran with a “lifeline”.
Trump said the move would amount to “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” and referred to it as an “ECONOMIC D-DAY”.
Meanwhile, Iran has ruled out negotiations with the United States unless its conditions are met.
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks in a post on X in response to Trump’s statement that Tehran wanted to reach a deal “quickly and badly” and that Washington could resume negotiations with Iran.
“The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly. I will determine whether or not the USA will choose to engage -- The concept of which we are open to,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Responding to the US president, Rezaei said, “Don't get distracted by the US president's mixed signals -- from 'no negotiations' to 'we're ready to talk.' The stakes around oil and the straits have changed. Damage control won't stop what's coming.”
“No talks until Iran's conditions are met. Period!” he added.
The latest exchange comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the war and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that Iran-aligned Houthi forces have also intensified activity in the region, while diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Gulf states have faced delays.