Iran's trade plunges nearly 35% after US sanctions and naval blockade

GeopoliticsCommodity Impact 4
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that Iran's imports and exports have fallen by nearly 35% under US sanctions and a naval blockade. The Iranian government acknowledged that the economy is facing increasing pressure after six months of conflict. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has intensified financial measures, calling the approach an "economic D-Day" and warning other countries that they could face penalties if they continue trading with Iran. The US Treasury sanctioned Bank Misr, a major Egyptian commercial bank, for doing business with Iran, and proposed suspending US dollar transactions for its branches in the United Arab Emirates. It also took action against companies in Hong Kong and an individual linked to Iran's Bank Melli. Despite the pressure, Iran exported about 90 million barrels of oil during a short-term agreement with the US in June. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called on the government to address inflation, unemployment, and commodity prices, with the annual inflation rate at 66% last month. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visiting Iranian officials in Tehran to push for free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rejected US claims that the shipping route is operational, and shipping data showed only 7 cargo vessels transiting the strait on Thursday, down from 17 on Wednesday and below the 10-day average of 15 per day.

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Off-coverage companies 2

Banque MisrPrivate▼ Negative
Regulationrelevance

US Treasury sanctioned Bank Misr for doing business with Iran and proposed suspending US dollar transactions for its UAE branches.

Bank Melli IranPrivate▼ Negative
Regulationrelevance

US Treasury took action against an individual linked to Iran's Bank Melli as part of intensified sanctions enforcement.

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