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Containing corruption key to Iran’s economic recovery

Iran is struggling to restart its economy in the face of COVID-19, sanctions and unchecked government misconduct, yet a recent report indicates that addressing these problems could fuel economic growth by next year.

A woman stands outside a currency exchange shop at the historical Grand Bazaar in the Iranian capital Tehran on February 12, 2020. - Many Iranians, battered by economic sanctions, political turmoil and the lingering threat of military conflict, say they are in no mood to vote in the general elections. Speaking of heavy hearts and a sense of bitterness, Tehranis complain that they are tired of politicians who have failed to keep their word or to raise living standards. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by
A woman stands outside a currency exchange shop at the historical Grand Bazaar, Tehran, Iran, Feb. 12, 2020. — ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran is faced with very difficult choices in its current struggle to contain the health and economic fallout from COVID-19. There’s no doubt that unemployment remains the government’s key concern, and to get people back to work, authorities are prepared to accept public health risks. In fact, to underline the dimensions of the challenge, on April 11 government spokesman Ali Rabiei stated that a long-term lockdown would leave 4 million Iranians unemployed.

That explains why some economic activities are starting up again, despite warnings that a second wave of infections could be expected.

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