Economy

iranintl – The Iranian regime is planning to hand over the oil industry to the “private sector,” which will effectively place the national wealth in the hands of insiders. In 1951, the Iranian parliament seized control of the country’s oil industry which had been run by private companies, largely controlled by the British. The movement that led to the legislation …

iranintl – Conflicting reports about the removal of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce chairman indicate a push by hardliners to take control of the country’s private sector. On Monday, state media reported that the head of the country’s Chamber of Commerce has been sacked after over four months of contentious relations with the hardliners in President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration, who rejoiced …

iranintl – Despite a recent surge in oil exports, Iran is grappling with a large budget deficit partly due to inadequate oil income, raising questions about its real earnings. Davoud Manzour, the head of Planning and Budget Organization (PBO), revealed on October 22 that the 7-month budget has only been realized by 70%, largely due to the unrealistic oil income estimates. …

gatestoneinstitute.org – History is filled with the terrible retribution inflicted on America’s foes when those enemies underestimate the United States. Consider Imperial Japan, which totally underestimated the United States. Hitler thought we could manufacture cars but never have the ability to produce tanks, an air force, a two-ocean navy and the willpower to fight and win. The Soviets told the …

iranintl – Despite close political relations with China, Iran has been largely left out of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and other regional investments, amid US sanctions. China is connected to Southeast and South Asia, Central Asia, the Pacific Ocean, Africa, and Europe through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive global infrastructural project. With the purpose of strengthening …

Iranwire – Hamas’s attack on Israel and the possibility that the Islamic Republic would be blamed for it, not only for its role in equipping Hamas but also for instigating the attack and planning it, led to an increase in foreign currency prices in Iran and a decline of the stock market indices. *** After years of sanctions, the Iranian …

iranintl – A prominent politician in Tehran has suggested that President Ebrahim Raisi may seek another review of four bills allowing Iran to join the FATF conventions.  The FATF (The Financial Action Task Force) is a G-7 initiative to combat money laundering and financing terrorism. The four bills stuck in Iran’s legislative system since 2017 due to opposition by hardliners …

iranintl – More than 100 House Republicans have backed a bill to refreeze the $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue that was released last month as part of a prisoner swap deal. The deal had many opponents among the Republicans from the onset. Some called it ‘ransom’ and warned that the regime in Iran may use it against US interests. But …

Al-Monitor — The US and Qatari governments have reportedly agreed to prevent Iran from accessing the $6 billion in oil revenue unfrozen as part of its deal to swap prisoners with the United States last month, multiple news outlets said Thursday.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not confirm the reports but said none of the funds “have actually been spent or accessed …

CHRI – Business owners in Iran are facing severe consequences, including loss of livelihoods and restricted access to vital services such as banking, due to their support for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. Testimony shared with the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) reveal the hardships these entrepreneurs, including women business owners, endure. “Since many businesses and shops closed …