Iran’s Kayhan daily says UN snapback sanctions ‘more psychological than real’

Kayhan, a hardline newspaper overseen by Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative, said on Wednesday the reactivation of the UN snapback sanctions would be unlikely to inflict fresh economic damage on Iran and warned that the measure’s main effect would be psychological.

“Snapback will not be as terrifying as the West wants to frighten Iran with,” Kayhan wrote in an analysis, saying the return of UN sanctions would matter only if all countries implemented them “in a united and strict manner,” something it called unlikely given splits between East and West.

The paper argued that real economic pressure on Tehran has in recent years come mainly from unilateral US secondary sanctions, not Security Council measures, and pointed to growing trade and payment links with partners such as Russia and China as cushions against renewed UN restrictions.

Kayhan added that the principal danger was the “psychological shock” the snapback could create for markets and investors, and urged authorities to calm public sentiment. “What is most worrying is the psychological effect of the return of UN sanctions on society,” it said.

The paper also called for judicial action against domestic media outlets it accused of “creating fear and despair” among the public.

Kayhan concluded that with “program, prudence and resolve” Tehran could withstand pressure and that relying on domestic strength and broader diplomatic ties -- rather than hope for Western goodwill -- was the appropriate response.