In a rare admission, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s chief of staff, Gholamhossein Mohammadi Golpayegani, acknowledged that the country’s economy is facing challenges due to the impact of sanctions. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the government will find ways to overcome these difficulties. This acknowledgment comes at a time when the economy is struggling, with the Central Bank of Iran reporting a high inflation rate and widespread shortages, including gasoline, despite the country’s oil resources.
The sanctions imposed on Iran are a result of its nuclear weapons program and support for terrorist groups. However, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his supporters have been reluctant to admit the strain on the economy. They have instead portrayed the sanctions as opportunities for growth and development, fostering national unity. Khamenei has even cited weapon development as an example of turning sanctions into opportunities, claiming that Iranians do not need external help despite the challenges.
However, recent foreign policy decisions by the Islamic Republic have further complicated the economic situation. The devaluation of the Iranian currency has exacerbated inflationary pressures, pushing millions of Iranians into poverty over the years. This has had a severe impact on the middle class, with many now struggling to maintain a decent standard of living on meager incomes. Despite this, Golpayegani remains optimistic about the future of Iran’s economy and believes that with proper policies and strategies in place, it can overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable growth in the long run.
