Minister: President orders 6-million-ton strategic food reserve
‘No shortage despite 90m population’
Iran's Agriculture Minister announced Saturday that President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to maintain minimum reserves of 6 million tons of essential agricultural products amid US-Israeli war launched on February 28.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with members of the Parliament's Agriculture Commission, Gholamreza Noori Qezeljeh emphasized the importance of sustainable production and continuous supply of essential goods.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination the former leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
Noting that Iran has navigated a challenging year marked by ongoing regional conflicts, the minister identified effective management of essential goods supply and clearance as key to maintaining market stability.
"In a country of 90 million people, no serious shortage in goods supply has occurred," Noori Qezeljeh stated, contrasting Iran's situation with other nations in the region.
He pointed to the United Arab Emirates, where several million residents faced food shortages and empty store shelves, as well as Israel, which he said is confronting fundamental challenges in essential goods supply.
The meeting also emphasized supporting people's livelihoods during wartime conditions and strengthening the resistance economy in agriculture through cooperation between the government and Parliament.
During a separate visit to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Noori Qezeljeh met with agency CEO Hossein Jaberi Ansari, managers, and journalists. The minister presented a comprehensive report on goods supply, strategic reserves, and market regulation, thanking journalists for their efforts in conveying government services and informing the public during wartime conditions.
"Your cooperation and reporting, especially during sensitive times and important occasions, has played a significant role in advancing the ministry's goals and building public confidence, particularly regarding the supply of essential goods," the minister said.