What happened
Iran's trade has declined as sanctions continue to weigh on the country's economy. President Hassan Rouhani said sanctions are hitting both imports and exports, according to a report from CNBC. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged less reliance on the U.S. dollar, signaling a potential shift in economic strategy.
Why it matters
The combination of falling trade and a push to de-emphasize the dollar could reshape Iran's economic ties and its approach to international finance. The move may also reflect broader geopolitical tensions and efforts to reduce vulnerability to U.S. sanctions.