Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei argued that "through sanctions, the U.S. sought to curb Iran's economy; however, as a result of the sanctions, a movement towards self-sufficiency expanded in Iran". He went on to say that "the U.S. is declining.... those who incline to compromise are making impractical plans. This decline is not related to today or yesterday; rather it is a long-standing situation. The U.S. is doomed to degradation and perishment".