Pezeshkian Says Iran’s Trade Fell 25–35% Under Sanctions and Blockade

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s exports and imports fell 25–35% under sanctions and a blockade, with imports dropping more sharply. He rejected claims that sanctions have no effect, saying importers now evade restrictions, pay higher transport costs and buy less with the same money. Pezeshkian said Iran sold nearly 90 million barrels of oil during the short-lived June memorandum period but cannot do so now. He warned continued sanctions would drive prices higher and said inflation in some sectors had reached 100%.