Iranian President Admits Severe Economic Crisis in TV Interview

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged severe economic problems in a television interview, admitting to a foreign currency shortage with the dollar exceeding two million rials. He revealed that Iran's imports and exports have dropped by 25% to 35%, and that oil exports have fallen significantly from nearly 90 million barrels during the memorandum implementation period. Pezeshkian also addressed gasoline shortages and long lines at gas stations, stating "the country is in a state of war" with closed routes affecting imports. His statements contradict claims made by Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who recently said oil sales had returned to pre-sanctions levels.