The Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran: A Self-Determined Model of Self-Sufficiency Despite All Sanctions — An Analysis and Commentary in the Context of the Muscat Talks
Author: Syed Nawazish Raza from Pakistan
Introduction:
This article has been written at a time when the first round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States has concluded in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on April 12, 2025, and both parties have agreed to continue negotiations. Western media, particularly American and European broadcasting networks, are projecting that if Iran does not completely abandon its nuclear program in accordance with the wishes of the United States, stricter economic sanctions will be imposed, potentially bringing Iran's economy to the brink of collapse.
Contrary to such narratives, this article presents an analysis based on ground realities and evidence showing how Iran, despite enduring over four decades of continuous sanctions, has successfully progressed militarily, scientifically, industrially, economically, and socially, without succumbing to the immense pressure exerted by the United States and its allies.
This analysis critically examines the repeated propaganda claims made by Western media, such as the notion that Iran is economically crippled and socially degraded—depicted as a destitute nation. Furthermore, that Iran spends all its resources on terrorism and uses proxies as mercenaries. We shall analyze all such claims in light of historical facts and objective evidence.
1. Iran’s Resistance Economy and Internal Self-Sufficiency Model:
The core of Iran's economic policy lies with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei (may his shadow extend), whose single statement sends tremors through the ruling circles of the U.S. and Europe. Under his insightful leadership, the concept of the “Economy of Resistance” was introduced in 2011 as a revolutionary policy. The strategy aims to maintain national dignity and independence while enhancing domestic production, self-reliance in research, technological advancement, and improving standards for public necessities despite external pressure.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved complete self-reliance in key sectors such as food, medicine, automotive, construction materials, energy, and air transport—meeting international standards. It not only fulfills domestic needs but also exports these products successfully to global markets.
“A country’s true development is determined by socio-economic indicators, not narratives fabricated by Western media networks.”
By 2023, Iran had achieved more than $120 billion in non-oil exports. According to the latest available data, Iran’s target for non-oil exports by 2025 is $75 billion annually, with a consistent upward trend, indicating strong economic resilience and self-reliance despite sanctions.
(Source: Iran Trade Promotion Organization)
Iran has begun domestic production of more than 100% of its required pharmaceuticals, including drugs for cancer, hepatitis, and other costly diseases.
(Source: Tehran Times, Health Ministry Iran)
2. Iran’s Nuclear Advancement: A Source of Power, Not Weakness
Iran has utilized nuclear technology on three fronts: as a defensive power, as diplomatic leverage, and for peaceful domestic development. On National Nuclear Day, celebrated on April 9, 2025, Iran unveiled over 100 new nuclear achievements, including IR-9 centrifuges, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear diagnostic units, and applications of nuclear technology in agriculture. The IAEA’s 2023 annual report declared Iran’s peaceful nuclear technology technically effective and active, while WHO acknowledged Iran as a major producer of radiological tools for cancer treatment in the developing world. According to UNESCWA, Iran’s civilian nuclear advancements now serve as an economic model for the region.
(Sources: IRNA, Press TV, AEOI Iran)
By 2023, Iran had achieved over 60% enrichment capability of uranium—near the 90% weapons-grade level. As of 2025, monthly production of 60% enriched uranium has increased to 9 kilograms, up from 6kg post-June 2024.
(Source: IAEA Annual Reports)
Iran is producing advanced centrifuges such as IR-6, IR-8, and IR-9, based on indigenous designs. The Arak Heavy Water Reactor has also been successfully upgraded. These achievements have been made despite sanctions aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
3. Defense and Military Self-Reliance
Iran’s Defense Achievements (as of 2025, internationally recognized):
1. Drones:
Shahed 136, Ababil, Fotros, and advanced Karrar drone (range: 1000+ km)
Verified by: Jane’s Defence Weekly (2024), IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies)
2. Ballistic Missiles:
Fateh 110, Khorramshahr, Zelzal, and advanced Etemad missile (range: up to 1700 km)
Verified by: CSIS, Defense News (2025)
3. Air Defense:
Bavar-373 system (360-degree coverage, advanced tech)
Verified by: RUSI and Stratfor (2025)
International Reaction:
✔ NATO 2024: “Significant growth in Iran’s missile technology”
✔ Pentagon 2025: “Iran’s drones pose a regional challenge”
✔ UN Experts: Acknowledgment of Iran’s defense self-sufficiency (UNSC Report 2024)
Sources:
Jane’s Defence Weekly (2024) – Karrar drone capabilities
CSIS Missile Database – Etemad missile details
RUSI Tech Analysis – Bavar-373 performance
Mehr News (Bavar-373 testing)
Tasnim News (Etemad missile deployment)
Iran’s defense industry not only meets domestic needs but also exports arms to Russia, Venezuela, and some African nations.
(Source: SIPRI Arms Transfers Database)
4. War Against ISIS: Refuting Western Claims
Former U.S. President Obama stated in 2014 that defeating ISIS would take 20–30 years.
(Source: The Atlantic, 2014)
Under General Qassem Soleimani’s leadership, Iran defeated ISIS in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon between 2014–2018. On November 21, 2017, General Soleimani declared ISIS's defeat in a historic letter to the Supreme Leader.
(Sources: Al-Monitor, Press TV, The Guardian, UN CTED Reports 2024)
This victory was due not just to military skill but strategic intelligence, local alliances, and the resilience of resistance forces—despite the West’s support for ISIS. It reflects Iran’s strong economic capacity.
5. Western Propaganda: False Claims of Mercenary Support
Western media often claims that Iran pays groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and others millions monthly. Ironically, such claims themselves prove Iran’s economic strength, as supporting such groups requires financial capability.
These groups are now independently confronting major powers like the U.S., Europe, and Israel on the battlefield—something impossible if Iran were truly economically devastated.
6. Iran’s Role in Reconstruction: Gaza and Lebanon as Examples
After the 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon, Iran restored basic infrastructure within months.
(Sources: BBC Arabic, Al Jazeera)
Iran still claims that if attacks on Gaza cease, it can rebuild the region within a few years—contrary to U.S. claims of 30–40 years.
(Source: Iranian Foreign Ministry Statements 2024)
7. The Iranian Nation’s Dignified Collective Identity
The Iranian people are known for pride, discipline, and economic independence. They prefer self-reliance over foreign aid or charity, shunning undignified jobs and striving for honorable employment.
They are seldom seen in desperate conditions abroad. Instead, they appear in professional, academic, or business contexts, reflecting a national temperament of pride and self-respect.
8. Presence of Foreign Laborers in Iran: A Sign of Economic Stability
Iran is now among countries that attract foreign workers. Individuals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, etc., work in Iranian factories, construction projects, hotels, and service sectors.
Wages and working conditions in Iran are better and safer than in many South Asian countries—indicating Iran is now a destination for employment, not a nation of emigrants.
9. Iran: A Giving Hand, Not a Beggar
Iran is one of the few countries not indebted to global financial institutions like the IMF, World Bank, or Paris Club. It demands the release of its frozen assets in the U.S., UK, and Europe—assets that earn interest for Western countries while Iran is deprived under the guise of sanctions.
In contrast, Iran continues to aid oppressed nations like Palestine, Yemen, Lebanon, and African states—what the West calls “proxy support,” Iran calls humanitarian and Islamic duty.
A country that aids others despite being denied access to its own assets is not poor—but a symbol of generosity and sovereignty.
10. Social Development and Indicators:
● Literacy rate: 96%; Female university attendance: 65% (Source: UNESCO)
● Universal health coverage: Best-rated by WHO among developing nations
● 80%+ of the population has access to clean water, electricity, and education
11. Iran: A Self-Sufficient Model Despite Sanctions
Iran has presented a model based on the Economy of Resistance that showcases:
》Economic self-sufficiency
》Technological autonomy
》A dignified path of development despite external pressures
Today, Iran stands as:
A sovereign nation retaining its dignity despite Western sanctions
A stable regional power with political and economic resilience
12. Modern Iranian Cities and Urban Infrastructure
Cities like Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Shiraz compare with many developed cities in terms of urban planning and architecture. Modern metro systems, highways, airports, hospitals, and universities demonstrate Iran’s commitment to urban progress despite sanctions.
13. Education and Health: Among the Region’s Best
Iran’s education system outperforms many developing countries. Thousands of international students study in Iran. Its healthcare system is among the best in the developing world (per WHO) and is becoming a medical tourism hub.
Where once doctors came from abroad, now patients from abroad seek treatment in Iran.
14. Global Reach of Iranian Industry
Iranian products meet international standards—affordable yet often superior in quality to those of developed nations. Its motorcycles, cars, agricultural machinery, home appliances, and tiles are all present in international markets.
Development is not just GDP or dollars—but pride and institutional self-reliance.
Iran has shown the world that:
“True progress is not defined by the West—but is created from within by a nation’s own will.”
*Contradiction Between the Narrative of Sanctions as a Pressure Point and the Reality of Iranian Progres*
Western media is portraying these negotiations as the final pressure on Iran, implying that if it does not show flexibility towards American demands, it will be destroyed. But the reality is:
Iran endured even more sanctions after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, yet it was not destroyed.
Europe and the U.S. merely make noise, because their real power lies in shaping minds through propaganda and media control. While they are well aware that they lack the ability to change ground realities.
Iran has shifted its economy from oil to non-oil sectors, and despite sanctions, not only became self-sufficient at a national level but also continued exports.
For over forty years, despite siege, sanctions, threats, and war conspiracies, Iran has remained a state of resilience and dignity. It has repeatedly challenged the military and diplomatic superiority of the U.S., Israel, and their allies.
The purpose of this article is to highlight that the clamour raised by Western media, claiming Iran is economically dying or will collapse, is merely a part of a psychological war. The true face of Iran is that of a dignified, resistant, developing state with a global strategy, and this image must be presented to the world.
The Islamic Republic of Iran stands as a successful example for all oppressed nations who seek true freedom. It is a shining proof that self-reliance can be sought only if: 》Leadership is sincere
》National dignity is not sold for a few dollars of interest-based loans
》There is a clear national vision
》And complete trust in the people
Then no global colonial or imperial power can enslave any nation.
With the wise guidance of Imam Khomeini (RA) and the blessings of the concept of Wilayat-e-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), the Islamic Revolution introduced the Iranian nation to a new era of prosperity. It is practically based on true dignity, faith, unity, and steadfastness. It introduced a path of development that stands as a practical example of resistance against external pressures. This revolution proves that when a nation places firm trust in its cultural values, national resources, and internal capabilities, no power of global arrogance can stop it from achieving its great national objectives.
And it is this very concept of Wilayat-e-Faqih, under the farsighted leadership of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei (may his shadow last), that now represents an Islamic system of resistance, a system that has made Iran stand strong, self-sufficient, and independent in the face of global colonial and hegemonic powers.
The Iranian people must always keep in mind that the system of Wilayat-e-Faqih is the solid foundation that guarantees:
✓ True progress and self-sufficiency without compromising national dignity, cultural identity, or Islamic values
✓ True freedom and independence
✓ Genuine Islamic democracy
✓ And the ability to stand firm against colonial and imperial forces
This is precisely why today’s modern imperialism fears this system because it has proven to be an unbreakable wall against their evil ambitions.