by Editor (Editor's Desk, Crescent International Vol. 43, No. 1, Rabi' al-Thani, 1435)
To overcome the effects of illegal US-led sanctions, the Rahbar, Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei calls for reduced reliance on oil exports and reconfigure the economy to knowledge-based exports.
On the advice of the Rahbar, Imam Seyyed ‘Ali Khamenei, Iran has launched the “resistance economy” to overcome the effects of sanctions. The 24-point plan, outlined by the Rahbar on February 19 calls for less reliance on crude oil exports by increasing domestic production and orienting the economy toward knowledge-based exports.
The Rahbar described the “resistance economy” as a path that can “overcome all of the economic problems.” He stated that the US-led sanctions against Iran are a “full-scale economic war.” This is a point he has repeatedly made even while negotiations with the P5+1 countries on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program have continued.
In a recent speech, the Rahbar pointed out that even if Iran were to satisfy the West about its peaceful nuclear program, they would raise other issues, such as Iran’s missile program, its defence capabilities and other such objections.
He emphasized that the West led by the US is really after changing the Islamic system of government in Iran. The Rahbar said that the West wants to undermine the Islamic Republic’s independence and integrity, something that the people and leadership of Iran will not give up.
The Rahbar has repeatedly emphasized that the focus should be on Iran’s own domestic capabilities. This would reduce Iran’s reliance on external sources as well as make it less vulnerable to economic and financial sanctions.
A positive outcome of imposed sanctions is that Iran has made great strides in many fields.