Iran’s Trade Decline, Khamenei’s Appeal to Reduce Dependence on the US dollar

Under United States sanctions and the maritime blockade, trade in Iran has declined significantly. According to Iran ' s President, Masood Pezeshkian, trade fell by between 25 and 35 per cent and exports by less, but imports by more. In a written message on Friday, Khamenei called for greater economic self-sufficiency, emphasizing the crucial role of economic growth and the gradual reduction of the dollar. At the same time, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Besent launched a sanctions campaign called “Operation Economic Isolation”, aimed at severing Iran's economic ties. Iranian crude oil exports also declined significantly as a result of United States economic pressure, with crude oil loadings falling by more than 80 per cent in August compared to 1.7 million barrels per day in August 2025。