Former Minister: Free Trade With Partners Key to Economic Recovery

Date: 21 June 2026 - 23:05

News ID: ۱۵۱۱۷۱

TEHARN - Iran’s free trade with partners is the key to its economic recovery, Ehsan Khandouzi, former Iranian minister of economy, said in an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) released on Sunday.
There are prospects that Iran can see rise in its economic growth, employment and investment if the United States abides by the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran which was signed digitally on June 17, he said.
“Assuming the Americans do not break their promise and will adhere to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, an opportunity for cooperation outside the sanctions regime will be created. The United States has committed to suspending all previous sanctions against Iran upon the finalization of this Memorandum of Understanding,” said Khandouzi.
“Therefore, in the realms of domestic business, trade with foreign partners, and currency settlements -- where the Central Bank and Iranian exporters require smooth and efficient arrangements -- there are very bright prospects. All the consequences of this facilitation in trade, currency settlement, and a clear, secure domestic business environment will lead to an increase in the country’s economic growth rate, a reduction in unemployment, an increase in investment, and improvements in other indicators that are directly related to the people’s daily economic lives,” he said.
Khandouzi said Iran’s blocked assets are sovereign money seized by U.S. sanctions, and releasing those funds isn’t a gift or privilege but a rightful entitlement.
“Access to Iran’s blocked foreign exchange resources is, in fact, the denial of a country’s right to its own assets. Therefore, it is neither a privilege nor a special gift. Rather, it stems from a hegemonic, unilateral, and coercive approach in which the United States has used its power to deprive Iran of the proceeds from its exports. Consequently, this is not a gift to the Iranian people. It is their rightful entitlement,” said Khandouzi.
He said Iran’s real progress needs sanction-free engagement with partners who respect its independence.
“What could truly facilitate progress is the ability to engage freely, without sanctions-related restrictions, with partners who respect Iran’s national independence. In my view, U.S. adherence to this understanding would provide the best foundation for Iran to integrate and build its economy alongside emerging economies,” said Khandouzi.