Iran’s Private Sector Calls for New Approach to International Engagement

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a meeting of the Chamber’s board of representatives on Sunday, Hassanzadeh condemned efforts by several European countries and the United States to re-impose United Nations sanctions on Iran through the so-called “snapback mechanism.”

He praised Iran’s negotiating team for pursuing diplomatic solutions “with good faith,” but acknowledged that the reactivation of the mechanism could bring new challenges. “Although new sanctions will impose difficulties and damages, evidence shows that the effects of the snapback are not as severe as advertised. Nevertheless, the impact must be managed through realistic policies and careful planning by the government,” he said.

Hassanzadeh argued that Iran’s business environment has long been tested by external pressures. “Despite the psychological campaign waged by hostile foreign media, we believe the snapback mechanism will not fundamentally change the realities of Iran’s business environment. The country has endured years of an unfair economic war and has gained valuable experience in managing tough and complex conditions,” he noted.

According to Hassanzadeh, unilateral U.S. sanctions have imposed far greater restrictions on Iran’s economy than those expected under the UN mechanism. “Yet private-sector actors have consistently kept production running and continued investing, creating jobs and entrepreneurship despite ups and downs,” he said.

He stressed that even under the snapback sanctions, the private sector can again demonstrate its resilience by leveraging Iran’s natural and human resources through scientific management and expert-driven approaches. However, he warned that this resilience does not eliminate the need for domestic reforms. “We must address internal weaknesses and improve the country’s economic governance,” he stated.

Hassanzadeh urged policymakers to remove domestic barriers to economic activity, seize opportunities in regional and friendly countries, and support businesses to strengthen their resilience and protect household livelihoods. He warned that rising production costs have made it difficult for domestic producers to secure raw materials, calling for a dedicated financial package to support suppliers of essential goods.

The Chamber, he said, stands ready to help identify key sectors and supply chains and to propose tailored financial mechanisms during the snapback period.

Hassanzadeh reiterated the importance of pursuing both domestic strengthening and external opportunities, as outlined in the Supreme Leader’s “resistance economy” directives. He called for fundamental reforms in foreign-exchange, trade, and financing policies, urging lawmakers and officials to ease restrictive regulations to reflect the country’s current economic conditions.

He highlighted the need for new bilateral and multilateral regional trade agreements and for swift action to remove obstacles such as currency-repatriation requirements. The Chamber has already presented a structured proposal for managing the foreign-exchange market to the Supreme National Security Council and is prepared to cooperate with the Central Bank and other relevant institutions.

“Managing the foreign-exchange market requires avoiding excessive interference,” Hassanzadeh said. “Policy-making and regulation must be separated from direct market participation, as past interventions have only fueled volatility. The Central Bank should also refrain from intervening in trade policy.”

Calling for a new phase of international engagement, Hassanzadeh said: “We expect the governing institutions to reassess the scope and depth of the private sector’s role in international affairs. The private sector has the capacity to manage external economic relations, and the Chamber is ready to take responsibility, provided the government offers support, oversight, and facilitation.”

He warned that the main objective of the recent push for the snapback mechanism is to undermine Iran’s economy from within. “Our nation’s experience during the imposed 12-day war showed that with collective support, we can withstand even the most severe challenges. Once again, we need unity and solidarity among the people, the government, state institutions, and the private sector,” he emphasized.

Concluding his remarks, Hassanzadeh affirmed the Chamber’s readiness to cooperate with the government, the diplomatic corps, and other institutions to help the country navigate the current juncture with minimal damage. He expressed hope that under the leadership of the Supreme Leader and with national unity and determination, Iran will emerge stronger and achieve significant successes in the future.