Addressing the worsening energy supply issues, President Pezeshkian acknowledged that standing against Western pressures requires widespread public sacrifice, stating that the government will curtail consumption of power, natural gas, petrol, and water across non-essential facilities to protect Iran's core production cycles. The economic pressures stem from the aftermath of a 40-day conflict launched on February 28, 2026, when joint US and Israeli forces targeted Iranian positions, which concluded under a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire. Following the truce, Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports while Tehran maintained its closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz maritime transit route. Pezeshkian's rare admission highlights the mounting domestic toll of energy shortages and international isolation as the regime reorganizes state resources to sustain heavy industry.