Another Regime mismanagement that only hurts the domestic economy. “The downturn [in international rug sales] accelerated after 2018, when then US president Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and imposed “maximum pressure” sanctions. As foreign reserves tightened, Iran required exporters to sell part of their foreign-currency earnings to the central bank at the official exchange rate rather than at market rates. The rule destroyed incentives to export, Industry representatives said. “It completely paralysed the sector. None of them have any motivation to stay active in global markets,” said Abdollah Bahrami, head of the National Union of Handwoven Carpet Co-operatives.” See “Iran’s handwoven carpet industry hits record low under sanctions – FT,” Iran International, 12-26-25.
If I’m understanding this correctly, Iran arrests smugglers, but then won’t return the oil they stole, and instead Iran says it will keep the oil. Sounds like two sets of pirates …. See “Iran to keep fuel cargo seized from foreign tanker,” Mehr, 12-26-25.
“Rare Iranian police videos protesting low wages spark public reaction,” Iran International, 12-26-25.
“What Comes After the Axis of Resistance? The Abiding Power of Sectarianism in the Middle East,” Foreign Affairs, 12-26-25.
“Iran set to launch new domestically developed satellites into space,” Press TV, 12-26-25.
“Reservoir supplying Iran capital remains largely empty despite rain,” Al Arabiya, 12-26-25.
I do allow other voices on this blog. Here I’ve posted someone that no undergrads should take a Middle East or IR class from (he teaches biology at the Univ. of Toledo), though—basically all his arguments are outside the regular thoughts of countries, journals, the news, etc. See “The Silent Takeover: How Iran will control the Arabian Gulf,” Arab-American News, 12-26-25. Oh, and he made a mistake in his presentation—to support his cause, he should call it the Persian Gulf.”
“Iran seizes oil tanker carrying smuggled fuel on Strait of Hormuz, state news agency says,” CBS, 12-26-25.
“Bruised but undeterred: Iran braces for more risks in 2026, experts say,” Iran International, 12-26-25. If Iran would spend its money on its people and not on unneeded missiles, the world/region/country would be a better place!