Investigative journalist at Iran International
Amirhadi Anvari is an Iranian investigative journalist specialised in current Iranian political and economic affairs.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has remained unusually silent on the current US presidential election, despite having commented on nearly every past race over his 35-year tenure, frequently condemning the US political system.
The Iranian state’s sprawling military, state-owned banks, and companies dominate about 80% of the economy, creating a system where many citizens depend on public sector jobs.
The head of Iran's Customs reported that approximately 43 tons of gold bullion, valued at $2.5 billion, were imported into the country during the first six months of the Iranian calendar year, from March 21-September 20.
Earlier this year, amid growing warnings of a significant electricity shortage, Iran announced that its power lines had been connected through Turkey to Greece and Bulgaria, paving the way for electricity exports to Europe.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson reiterated last week that the Revolutionary Guard would refrain from any involvement in the election process despite the close affiliations of most candidates with the organization.
As Iran has barely begun preparations for the June 28 presidential vote, some sources have reported that the nuclear negotiations have been entrusted to Ali Shamkhani, a veteran insider and advisor to Ali Khamenei.
Despite global sanctions, Iran has imported at least $236 million worth of aircraft and drone engine parts over the past 10 years from countries including Turkey, the UAE, Germany and even Ukraine and the US.
