Economic

Alireza Khamehzar, President of the South Khorasan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, emphasizing the province’s exceptional mining potential, announced that all necessary conditions for investment in the mining sector are in place. He stated: “The red carpet for mining development has been rolled out in South Khorasan, and we are fully prepared, with the support of the private sector and national investors, to expand value creation and mineral processing within the province.”

Not so long ago, when the U.S. dollar was trading at around 9,400 tomans, Abdolnaser Hemmati, then Governor of the Central Bank, came under sharp criticism from both Parliament and the government—so intense that even rumors of his dismissal began to circulate.

Crimes that disrupt the country’s economic order have gained heightened significance in recent years because, beyond inflicting serious damage on national interests and the economic system, a substantial proportion of the perpetrators are influential white-collar individuals. These actors have exploited their positions against the economic interests of the country and the general public, thereby fostering the spread of widespread corruption and social dissatisfaction. Accordingly, one of the main reasons for the lack of effective prevention and enforcement against such crimes must be sought in the weakness of an efficient and coherent criminal policy to address them.

December 2025 has marked a turning point for the mining sector. Across continents, companies and governments are racing to integrate cutting edge technologies into one of the world’s oldest industries. From autonomous haulage trucks powered by hydrogen to AI driven blast optimization, the mining industry is being re engineered for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This transformation is not just about machines—it is about reshaping the workforce, supply chains, and the very future of industrial competitiveness

Yaghout Mining and Metals Development of the Middle East, as a subsidiary of Minerals and Metals Development Investment Company, has over the past two years consolidated its position as one of the country’s most active mining drilling and exploration contractors. This achievement has been driven by the adoption of advanced technologies, equipment modernization, skilled human resources, and the implementation of a structured knowledge management system.

The transfer of 59 service categories from the First Hall to the Second Hall of the Currency Exchange Center effectively marks an official farewell to government-subsidized and NIMA exchange rates for these items, replacing them with a rate close to the free-market dollar. This shift directly passes the gap between the previous rate of around 77,000 tomans and the current level of 107,000 tomans per dollar (an instantaneous rate change) onto medical bills, international tuition fees, travel expenses, research services, and dozens of other foreign-currency-based costs. As a result, it places simultaneous pressure on household livelihoods, the financial balance of businesses, and the government’s fiscal equilibrium.

The latest report on monetary variables shows that liquidity, the monetary base, and government debt to the banking system reached new highs between 2021 and Mordad 1404 (August 2025), while the composition of liquidity shifted toward hotter money, increasing the ratio of money to total liquidity. At the same time, banks’ debt to the Central Bank declined and was replaced by a surge in government debt. This trend points to a widening budget deficit, mounting pressure on the Central Bank, and the persistence of high inflation risks in the months ahead.

In a cordial meeting with members of the media, Saeed Rasouli, CEO of the Ports and Maritime Organization, highlighted the effective role of the media in promoting transparency and addressing challenges. Emphasizing the need to expand joint cooperation with journalists and maritime-sector stakeholders, he stated: “The media serve as a platform for problem-solving and can act as the Organization’s intellectual arm in realizing a maritime-oriented economy.”

While Iran’s economy struggles under the simultaneous pressure of chronic inflation, sharp exchange rate fluctuations, and a slowdown in construction activity, the latest Iran Mercantile Exchange data for Aban 1404 paints a distinct picture across all four main fronts of the market. In this landscape, copper—posting an approximate 18% month-on-month increase and a 100% year-on-year surge—stands at the epicenter of volatility, while steel, cement, and petrochemicals, each under the shadow of high energy costs, export restrictions, and weakening domestic demand, are seeking a new balance between pricing and survival.

The inauguration ceremony of the national “1,000 Managers” initiative was held by the Industrial Management Organization with the aim of identifying and developing the future leaders of the country’s industrial sector. The event was attended by a number of senior industrial executives, including Farshad Moghimi, CEO of IDRO, and Seyed Abbas Hosseini, advisor to the Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade. This initiative represents a strategic step toward human capital development, succession planning, and the enhancement of managerial skills across the country’s governance, business, and executive levels.

An analysis of Iran’s commodity market data in recent years shows that the inflationary wave and price surges have significantly affected industry, food products, and metals. This report, by examining trends and the underlying causes of these changes, provides a clear picture of the challenges facing economic actors.

Fatemeh Bagheri, editor-in-chief of Titrsanat News Agency, was selected as the top journalist in the second edition of the “Mostafa Prize Observers” competition and received the award of this scientific and media event.