Bijan Khajehpour

Bijan Khajehpour is an economist and a managing partner at Eurasian Nexus Partners, a Vienna-based international strategic consulting firm.

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

People wear protective face masks and gloves, amid fear of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as they walk at Tajrish market, ahead of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, March 20, in Tehran, Iran March 18, 2020. Picture taken March 18, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC22NF92HAWR

Coronavirus puts more pressure on Iran’s already strained economy

Amid ongoing economic strain due to sanctions, mismanagement and corruption, the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus presents additional challenges.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Mar 2, 2020

Iranian people wear protective masks to prevent contracting a coronavirus, as they climb an escalator in Tehran, Iran February 29, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Nazanin Tabatabaee via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2BAF97VRQP

Analyzing Iran’s new state budget

Iran's state budget introduced no major structural changes, but it did improve transparency in some sectors.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Dec 16, 2019

TOPSHOT - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani speaks at parliament in the capital Tehran on September 3, 2019. - In an address to parliament, Rouhani ruled out holding any bilateral talks with the United States, saying the Islamic republic is opposed to such negotiations in principle. He also said Iran was ready to further reduce its commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal "in the coming days" if current negotiations yield no results by September 5. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via

Will Iran’s 50% gas price hike pay off for the economy?

Iran’s cutbacks on gas subsidies must be accompanied by a crackdown on corruption if they are to yield real benefits for the government.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Nov 27, 2019

A man walks near the remains of gas pump stands, during protests against increased fuel prices, in Tehran, Iran November 20, 2019. Picture taken November 20, 2019. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2CGD9I6P5F

Iran faces challenges in privatization plans

For privatization to succeed in Iran, the government must empower the real private sector as opposed to semi-state entities.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Oct 9, 2019

Bijan Khajehpour

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?

Coronavirus puts more pressure on Iran’s already strained economy

Analyzing Iran’s new state budget

Will Iran’s 50% gas price hike pay off for the economy?

Iran faces challenges in privatization plans

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