Iran braces for harsh times under new budget

President Hassan Rouhani presented his administration’s proposed budget to parliament on Dec. 8, and while Rouhani’s subsequent speeches after the budget presentation were upbeat, they belie difficult economic times ahead.

The administration appropriately named the budget for the following calendar year “Standing and persevering in the face of sanctions.” Rouhani said that this time last year, when the previous budget was presented, Iran was “under the most challenging conditions of sanctions.” He added that Iran’s enemies, primarily the United States and Israel, felt that Iran would be unable to run the country under sanctions, but “from the day of implementing the approved budget until today, [Iran’s enemies] are now disappointed and will be so in the future.” He continued, “We will continue to run the country.”