Iranian trade cratered during Israel conflict, data shows
New data shows Iran’s foreign trade took a sharp hit during last month’s 12-day war with Israel, despite officials’ claims that it remained stable.
Economy & Environment
Iran internet blackouts hobble economy, erode public trust
A nationwide internet outage likely imposed by the Tehran beginning just after midnight on July 6 has deepened concerns among a weary public over the already parlous state of the economy and access to information.
Air pollution in Tehran, Karaj spark health warnings
As air quality in Tehran and much of neighboring Alborz province reaches hazardous levels, medical experts are advising the vulnerable to stay indoors, with preparations underway for an emergency response.
Iran internet curbs cost $1.5 million an hour, industry group says
Iran is losing over $1.5 million every hour to internet restrictions, the Internet Business Association said in an open letter, as media linked to the Revolutionary Guards said the disruptions may signal an intensifying cyber war.
Tehran stock market sees record capital flight amid post-war uncertainty
Iranian investors withdrew over 132 trillion rials—nearly $145 million—from Tehran’s stock market on Wednesday alone, marking a historic record amid deepening mistrust following the recent conflict with Israel.
Iran mine preparations raised US alarm over Hormuz closure – Reuters
Iran loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month, intensifying concerns in Washington that Tehran was preparing to close the Strait of Hormuz, two sources briefed on classified intelligence told Reuters on Tuesday.
Iran must quickly prove it can rebuild across all fronts, vice president says
Iran must move swiftly to demonstrate its ability to rebuild across all sectors following the 12-day war with Israel, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said on Tuesday, according to state media.
Banking disruptions persist in Iran after cyberattacks target major banks
Iran’s banking sector continues to face severe service disruptions, with Sepah and Pasargad banks still struggling to fully resume operations after cyberattacks blamed on Israeli-linked groups.
Tehran stock market opens deep in the red after 12-day Israel war
Tehran’s stock market reopened after a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel with a sharp collapse, as investor anxiety triggered a sweeping sell-off.
Iran’s June oil exports to China surge as demand rises - Reuters
Iranian oil exports to China surged in June, reaching record highs as shipments accelerated and independent Chinese refineries stepped up purchases, Reuters reported on Friday.
Trump says China can buy Iranian oil, but can Iran deliver?
President Donald Trump's surprise remark—that China can now buy Iranian oil—made immediate headlines, but also raised a few eyebrows and fresh questions.
Cyberattack hits Iran’s largest crypto exchange Nobitex
Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex, has confirmed a security breach after a suspected cyberattack that resulted in the theft of tens of millions of dollars, as reports circulated of a $48 million loss.
Confidential report details Iran's struggle to meet fuel demand
A confidential report from Iran’s oil ministry appears to show a widening gap between domestic fuel production and consumption, highlighting growing pressure on the country’s energy infrastructure.
Senior MP bashes elite privilege in Iran after cleric family scandal
A senior Iranian lawmaker has issued a rare and sharply worded rebuke of the country’s entrenched corruption and perceived cronyism, warning that public anger over inequality and elite privilege is growing.
Iranians are accused of waste while struggling with shortages
People in Iran are often accused of contributing to the country’s economic woes through wasteful habits—not just by officials, but by one another. But how much truth is there to these claims?
Average red meat intake in Iran drops by over half as millions go without
Iran’s average meat consumption has dropped to as little as seven kilograms per person annually from an average of 18, with some citizens eating none at all, according to Masoud Rasouli, secretary of the Meat Production and Packaging Association.
Dozens arrested as Iran truckers’ strike enters third week
Iranian authorities have arrested more than 40 people, including truck drivers and supporters of a growing nationwide truckers’ strike, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Desperate odds: inside Iran’s quiet gambling boom
Despite legal and religious prohibitions, online gambling is quietly on the rise in Iran, offering an illusory hope of gain to many worn out by economic hardship.
Iran's regional energy clout wanes as buyers turn elsewhere
Iran’s ambition to serve as a regional energy hub is faltering, with key neighbors losing confidence in Tehran’s ability to fulfil its commitments and shifting to alternative suppliers.
Tehran hardliners bash US-educated nominee for economy minister
Iran has been without an economy minister since March—and may remain so even longer—as President Massoud Pezeshkian’s nominee faces mounting opposition from hardliners inside and outside parliament.
Iran crude oil flows to China drop as sanctions bite - Bloomberg
Iran’s crude oil shipments to China fell sharply in May as tighter US sanctions and seasonal refinery maintenance weighed on flows, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing preliminary ship-tracking data and market analysts.
‘They’ve turned the clock back centuries’: Iran power cuts mar daily life
Rolling power cuts across Iran continue to mar daily life and livelihoods, according to firsthand accounts by everyday people submitted to Iran International.