President Hassan Rouhani says border provinces can play a leading role in helping the country cushion the impact of sanctions by forging closer economic ties with neighbors and attracting foreign tourists.
“Border provinces should make efforts to help the country fight sanctions by setting up border markets and expanding trade with neighboring states,” the president said at a Cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, his official website reported.
His comments followed the appointment of new governors for the border provinces of East Azarbaijan, Mazandaran, South Khorasan and North Khorasan.
Rouhani said these provinces have a heavy responsibility in the sanctions era and can help resolve some of the challenges besetting the economic sector.
Washington has reintroduced far-reaching sanctions on Iran, including on its oil sales and financial sectors, to force it into negotiations to scrap its nuclear energy and ballistic missile programs, and alter its regional policy.
The sanctions had been lifted by the Obama administration as part of the 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and major powers. US President Donald Trump withdrew from that agreement in May, triggering the sanctions snapback.
Rouhani said ethnic diversity in border areas should be considered a boon, as it contributes to the prosperity of these regions.
“Provinces with diverse ethnicities should consider this diversity as an opportunity rather than a threat,” he said, adding that hostile powers' attempts to turn Iran’s ethnic minorities against the government have failed.
The president also noted that many attractions in border provinces, particularly in the north, have the potential to boost tourism.
“It is important that we strengthen our relations with neighbors in the fields of politics, culture, economy, tourism and science.”
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Rouhani also reiterated his administration’s commitment to taking steps that can help bolster domestic production, increase employment, curb inflation, support low-income families and provide people with essential goods.
"The country’s economy has been put to the test as a result of sanctions. If practical and appropriate measures are taken and the foundation of the economy is solid, nothing can negatively impact people’s lives,” he said.
The president acknowledged problems facing ordinary Iranians but said no effort is being spared to improve the situation and bring peace of mind to them.
The cost of living has soared in Iran in the past months and people’s purchasing power has been squeezed by high inflation, the rial's depreciation and a slowdown in economic growth.
Economic grievances have led to sporadic demonstrations across the country.
“Today, we are in a situation where we should work to shield the country from plots being hatched by the enemies of the Iranian nation,” Rouhani said, while appreciating efforts by authorities to stabilize the market.
Iranian officials have accused arch-foes, the United States and Israel, as well as Saudi Arabia and government opponents living in exile of fomenting unrest and waging an economic war to destabilize Iran.
