Economic Challenges and Planning in Iran

There is no doubt we have limitations. After all, all countries,

our neighbors are like this now as well. We speak with the Qataris, with

the Iraqis,

with each of them. Right now, the revenues

of, say, Qatar and Iraq have dropped close to zero

from their exports, and

well, this has happened to us too; we do not

export oil. That is a reality. However, we have made

the necessary forecasts. It's not that we didn't foresee it, and

the government and the Central Bank have taken the necessary measures

for this. The difference between us and governments like Qatar and Iraq

is that

they have access to their reserves, but

the Americans have blocked our reserves too and do not allow

any withdrawals from them.

One point: you said "yes" at first, you said yes, and

then you mentioned we have planned for the current situation.

Does that mean our situation should have been better than this, or

is it appropriate, from the perspective of the Central Bank Governor?

If our resources weren't blocked and we could access

them, it would definitely have been better.

No, no. Even under these conditions and with the planning

that you did.

I doubt it could have been managed any better than we did.

Look, in '97, '98, and '99, I was also Governor of the Central

Bank. Back then, our situation was somewhat

similar to this, but now it is much harder than back then.

Well, I managed it, and I know the country's

economic conditions. No, now, thank God, the government has done

very well. In my view, why do I say they have done very well?

First of all, we made the necessary forecasts—

You're saying that from the Central Bank Governor's perspective, Dr. Hemmati.

Well, of course I should. Should I say it from your perspective?

No, from our perspective and the people's.

Well, go ahead.

We are the people. From our people's perspective, no.

No, look, I'm giving my own opinion. In my view,

people have the right to hold any opinion, and certainly their opinion

is respected, and we also answer to the people.

They expect more.

And they expect it, they certainly do. But let me tell you,

we are currently in a situation where, in any case, our oil

revenues have been affected, our tax revenues have been affected,

our other revenues are affected, and Social Security

insurance premium contracts have been

affected. All of these impact the economy.