‘Sought to Turn Iran into Another Venezuela’: Pezeshkian Praises Iranian Resistance Against US Attacks

August 23, 2026

Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has praised the resilience and unity of the Iranian people amid continued tensions with the United States, claiming that Washington had sought to turn Iran into “another Venezuela” but failed to weaken the country.

Pezeshkian made the remarks while delivering a speech marking the beginning of Government Week. His comments were shared by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV on Sunday.

“They (US) sought to turn Iran into another Venezuela, but instead, Iran emerged as a power that amazed the world with its resistance, solidarity and unity. Our people achieved something remarkable,” Pezeshkian said.

Pezeshkian calls for unity

The Iranian President urged people to remain united in the face of what he described as an “all-out economic war” and called for continued support and cooperation among Iranians.

“In the face of the enemy’s all-out economic war, we must stand together, just as we did during the US-Israeli war, supporting and helping one another,” he said.

Pezeshkian also called for following the path set by Iran’s leadership and maintaining unity.

“If we act wisely, no power can force us into surrender or leave us helpless. But this requires unity, solidarity, and empathy, as well as following our Leader and pursuing the path we must take,” he said.

His remarks come amid continued hostilities and heightened tensions in West Asia.

Trump-Iran tensions over Strait of Hormuz

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated further on Sunday after US President Donald Trump again shared an image depicting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US Territory”.

Iran has rejected such territorial assertions and reiterated that the crucial maritime corridor will remain closed unless the United States changes its stance.

Trump had previously shared the same graphic on August 18 after earlier suggesting that the United States could claim jurisdiction over the waterway.

Addressing a police academy gathering on Long Island on August 14, Trump had said, “Pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei criticised Trump’s remarks.

“The gap between America’s inability to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and its claim to own it is greater than the 7,000-mile distance between Washington and the Strait itself,” Rezaei said, adding, “Welcome to the post-American order in the Persian Gulf.”

Economic pressure deepens Iran-US standoff

The latest statements come as the United States prepares additional economic measures targeting Tehran, potentially deepening the financial standoff between the two countries.

Iran has condemned the forthcoming punitive measures, warning that they could further damage its economy and affect key trading partners.

China remains a major importer of Iranian crude, making the impact of additional restrictions a significant concern for Tehran and its international trade ties.