Iran’s president has said his country cannot have “sustainable” economic growth as long as it is internationally isolated.

During a January 4 televised speech to leading economists on January 4, Hasan Rohani called for reduced state involvement in the economy and greater transparency in order to end Iran’s international isolation.

“Our economy will not prosper as long as it is monopolized [by the government],” he said, adding that increased competition is needed.

Rohani also said the economy must “be transparent” so that “we can fight corruption.”

The speech was seen as criticism of conservatives who supported the unpredictable economic policies of Rohani’s predecessor, Mahmud Ahmadinejad, and powerful economic interests connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Iran is currently involved in talks with world powers aimed at regulating Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for an easing of international sanctions.
Reporting by Reuters and AFP
RFE/RL