US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has commented on Iran's economic situation. He stated that although Iran is a wealthy country, its economy is in a severe crisis.
According to the US official, inflation in Iran has reached a high level, particularly for essential goods. Government revenues are not even sufficient to pay the salaries of its own employees. The country is also facing problems such as food shortages, drought, and fuel scarcity.
“All of these problems existed before the events began, and the situation has only worsened. This process will continue.”
The Secretary of State has accused the Iranian leadership of directing the financial resources it obtains not toward the country's internal development, but toward foreign armed groups.
According to M. Rubio, funds obtained by the regime, including those from the easing of sanctions and oil sales, have been spent on supporting Hezbollah, Hamas, and armed groups in Iraq.
“They should have spent billions of dollars on building their own country and improving the welfare of the people. Instead, they have directed those funds to support foreign forces.”
M. Rubio added that there is growing awareness in Iranian society regarding these policies. However, he emphasized that tension in the region continues and it is impossible to predict how events will unfold.