Iran Finance Minister Ali Madani-Zadeh says the notion that Iran’s governance decisions can be forcibly changed by US economic pressure is a “mistake”, Al Jazeera reports.

“The responsibility for reforming Iran’s economy lies with the Iranian government and people, not the US Treasury Department,” Madani-Zadeh said.

Madani-Zadeh argued millions of workers in Iran have found new ways for economic survival as a result of years of Western sanctions. Imports, exports and production are continuing as normal, he added, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran’s economy is administered for “the life and welfare of the Iranian people”, and it cannot be dictated by the United States, Madani-Zadeh was quoted as saying.