Iran’s government is bracing for potential unrest due to ongoing rolling blackouts and rising gasoline prices, which have fueled public frustration. Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the judiciary head, has urged enhanced coordination among security and intelligence services to prevent disturbances. The country faces a 30% shortfall in natural gas supplies and is relying on heavily polluting mazut, worsening air quality. Economic hardships have led to widespread closures and a volatile atmosphere. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned against foreign influence, emphasizing the need for stability amidst the crisis and the government’s declining authority in light of recent setbacks.
During a recent ceremony recognizing contributions to Iran’s Nowruz travel initiatives, Minister Salehi Amiri praised the country’s diverse attractions and the efforts of over 1.2 million individuals in organizing holiday trips. He emphasized the government’s commitment to citizen well-being and security, noting improvements in public satisfaction compared to previous years. This Nowruz season saw over 36 million Iranians traveling, highlighting the vibrancy of domestic tourism. Salehi Amiri showcased Iran’s rich heritage with 23,000 historical sites and 1,000 Nowruz events across 530 cities. The government aims to enhance travel experiences, promoting Iran as an appealing destination for both locals and international tourists.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture to host a workshop in Tehran on pistachio safety and trade, running until April 16. Engaging 65 stakeholders, the workshop covers international food safety frameworks, including Codex standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, and aflatoxin management. Led by FAO expert Sanjay Dave, participants are encouraged to share experiences to enhance compliance and sustainability in the pistachio sector. FAO’s initiative aims to improve production, processing, and export practices, ensuring Iranian pistachios remain competitive globally while addressing challenges like mycotoxin contamination.
Shipping costs for oil from the Middle East to China have surged by over 39% to $37,800 per Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) due to recent U.S. sanctions targeting 183 tankers involved in transporting Russian and Iranian oil. As a result, China is increasing oil imports from Arab exporters and avoiding sanctioned tankers. Iranian oil exports to China have dropped by about 500,000 barrels daily recently, with around a third of tankers now under some form of sanctions. Meanwhile, Chinese refineries are shifting towards alternative suppliers, driving up demand and prices for oil from non-sanctioned regions.
During the 9th Iran International Fisheries Industry Exhibition (IFEX), Deputy Minister of Agriculture Rostampour emphasized the fisheries sector’s crucial role in food security and job creation. He noted that the industry directly employs 285,000 individuals and indirectly creates one million additional jobs. Iran’s aquatic animal exports reached $451 million from March 21 to October 22, 2025, highlighting the sector’s growth and importance. Rostampour called for sustainable practices to enhance economic benefits and address global food security challenges. His remarks underscore the fisheries industry’s potential to improve livelihoods and adapt to rising domestic and international demands.
Tajikistan’s Energy and Water Resources Minister, Daler Juma, emphasized Iran’s importance as a strategic partner during a meeting with Iranian official Ali Najafi Khoshrudi in Dushanbe. The trade volume between the two countries reached $110.6 million in the first quarter of this year, reflecting a $33.2 million increase from last year. Both officials expressed optimism for an upcoming meeting in Tehran aimed at enhancing bilateral relations in energy, economy, and cultural exchanges. They also highlighted the “Khujand Declaration,” which aims to strengthen ties among Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, fostering stability in Central Asia through increased cooperation.