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Iran's Khamenei urges oil-free economy as crude sales shrink

Iran's supreme leader has underlined the need for an economy independent of oil as the country's crude exports continue to plunge amid US pressure on Tehran's customers.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks live on television after casting his ballot in the Iranian presidential election in Tehran June 12, 2009. REUTERS/Caren Firouz/File Photo - S1AETHSUNEAA

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the "easy" income from crude oil exports is a "longstanding problem" in the Iranian economy that has hindered the country's progress. During a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and members of his cabinet, Khamenei called for an economy independent of crude exports and encouraged a closer focus on domestic productivity.

Iran's lifeline oil sector has been significantly strained due to the US "maximum pressure" policy that has a stated goal of driving Tehran's oil exports to zero. In so doing, the government of President Donald Trump has refused to extend sanctions waivers granted to Iran's major oil buyers including China, India and Turkey.

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