Bijan Khajehpour

How feasible is Raisi’s economic roadmap for Iran?

The ministry of finance's new set of economic goals and timelines outlines lofty ambitions but ignores the current limits that sanctions place on Iran's international trade.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Dec 4, 2021

Iran’s plan to get rid of the subsidized exchange rate

Iran's subsidized exchange rate has failed to prevent the downfall of the rial — and a move to do away with it could actually help the economy.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Oct 29, 2021

Iranian rials are displayed in Tehran on July 31, 2019.

Iran’s membership in Asian security body won’t solve sanctions problem

While the news that Iran will gain full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a psychological victory for the sanctions-hit country, it will take much more to achieve lasting economic impact.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Sep 22, 2021

A picture shows daily newspapers on sale at a kiosk in the capital Tehran, on Sept. 18, 2021. Conservative and reformist newspapers showed rare unity in welcoming results of a conference yesterday in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation endorsed Iran's future membership in the bloc.

Iran-Afghan trade has murky future under Taliban

While the chaos that followed the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan will present challenges to trade, resulting geopolitical shifts could provide some opportunities for Tehran.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Sep 1, 2021

A picture obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim on January 31, 2021, shows Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (2nd-R) meeting with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar (2nd-L) of the Taliban in Tehran.

Iran's presidential hopefuls promise big on economy, but can they deliver?

While candidates for the election this Friday have a long list of promises to fix the economy, inefficiencies in Iran's political structure limit the president's ability to make lasting change.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Jun 14, 2021

An Iranian man walks by posters of presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi outside a campaign office in Tehran on June 7, 2021.

As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain

Iran’s leaders have put a renewed focus on increasing domestic production, yet to achieve this goal there must be political stability and sincere efforts to push back on corruption.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Apr 29, 2021

Iran turns to bonds to solve budget crisis

Tehran has chosen to issue domestic bonds to address its expected budget deficit, a policy that promises to have complex impacts on Iran's economy.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Jun 3, 2020

A man walks past the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran, Iran August 1, 2019. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC15076CC350

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.

Bijan Khajehpour | Business | Apr 20, 2020

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

Can Iran's president turn around its economy?

Iran's economic plight — compounded by US sanctions, low oil prices and COVID-19 — depends on risky and difficult reforms for a turnaround.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Apr 2, 2020

Will Iran's economy collapse under coronavirus crisis?

While the country’s economy will certainly take a massive hit by the ongoing pandemic, Iran has shown resilience toward such crises in the past.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Mar 19, 2020

Bijan Khajehpour

How feasible is Raisi’s economic roadmap for Iran?

Iran’s plan to get rid of the subsidized exchange rate

Iran’s membership in Asian security body won’t solve sanctions problem

Iran-Afghan trade has murky future under Taliban

Iran's presidential hopefuls promise big on economy, but can they deliver?

As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain

Iran turns to bonds to solve budget crisis

Containing corruption key to Iran’s economic recovery

Can Iran's president turn around its economy?

Will Iran's economy collapse under coronavirus crisis?

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