UNGA can open new economic channels for Iran
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
As President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi prepare to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iran is facing a new phase of economic pressure from the United States. Washington has expanded its sanctions campaign to financial institutions, trade networks and companies accused of helping Iran maintain access to international markets. The latest measures have also increased the risks for foreign banks and businesses dealing with Iran.
Against this backdrop, the UN General Assembly can provide Iran with an important diplomatic opportunity to strengthen economic ties with other countries and discuss practical ways to maintain trade and financial channels. Mohammad Amin Mokarrami, an economic journalist, told Iran Daily that the Iranian delegation can use its meetings in New York to promote new payment mechanisms, protect energy trade, strengthen cooperation with BRICS and regional partners, and attract investment into Iran’s infrastructure and connectivity projects.
IRAN DAILY: With the United States expanding sanctions from individual companies and banks to wider financial and trade networks, what economic measures can President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi promote in New York to strengthen Iran’s access to international markets?
MOKARRAMI: Iran needs to use the UN General Assembly as an economic and diplomatic platform, not only a political one. The Iranian delegation can explain how expanding sanctions are affecting normal trade, banking, shipping and access to essential economic services.
One important step would be to strengthen economic cooperation with countries willing to maintain trade with Iran, particularly major Asian economies and BRICS members. Iran can use meetings with foreign leaders and economic officials to discuss settling trade in national currencies, expanding barter arrangements and reducing dependence on financial channels exposed to US sanctions.
The delegation can also seek broader international support for legitimate trade with Iran, including food, medicine, energy and other essential goods. At the same time, Tehran can present specific investment opportunities in energy, transportation, mining and agriculture.
The goal should be to turn diplomatic contacts in New York into practical economic arrangements that can continue after the General Assembly ends.
Given US pressure on Iranian oil exports, shipping companies and maritime networks, what can the Iranian delegation do in New York to protect energy revenues and keep trade routes open?
Energy and shipping are critical because restrictions on oil exports and maritime transportation directly affect Iran’s foreign-exchange revenues and trade.
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