Iranian Government Links Diplomacy and Defense, Vows to Resist Sanctions

Iran’s cabinet said diplomacy and defense would operate as “two complementary, coordinated and inseparable wings” while the government resists U.S.-Israeli sanctions and pressure. In a response to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s Government Week message, the cabinet said it would pursue diplomacy under a policy of dignity, wisdom and expediency while advancing defense at the same time. The statement also pledged action to curb inflation, manage markets, create jobs, channel investment into domestic production and gradually reduce dollar dependence. It said major political, economic, social and cultural decisions would be reviewed for their effect on national cohesion.