Pezeshkian says US expected Iran to collapse like Venezuela

The United States expected Iran to collapse like Venezuela within a short period when it began the conflict in the Middle East, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, Report informs.

"The opponent [the US] thought that Iran would also collapse like Venezuela. But that did not happen. On the contrary, Iran's strength, resistance, unity and solidarity astonished the whole world," Pezeshkian said.

The Iranian president added that the country would continue its resistance despite the "heaviest sanctions" imposed by the United States.

US President Donald Trump previously announced the launch of a broad policy of "economic war and isolation" against Iran. He also said that financial institutions, companies, airports and government structures of countries supporting Tehran would face serious economic consequences from the United States.