Iran Ambassador Blames Western Sanctions for Economic Woes, Seeks India's Support for Chabahar Port

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Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has expressed concerns over the country's economic situation, attributing it to the 'unjust sanctions imposed by the West.' In an exclusive interview, Fathali emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the economic problems faced by the Iranian people. Fathali stated that the Iranian government has taken a responsible and dialogue-oriented approach to respond to protests in various cities, including Tehran. The protests, he said, are largely driven by economic hardship caused by the sanctions, which have directly targeted the livelihoods of the people. The Iranian government has unveiled a new budget aimed at curbing inflation, controlling the rising cost of living, and improving livelihoods. Fathali highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen domestic production, manage public expenditures, and provide targeted support to vulnerable groups. Despite the challenges posed by Western sanctions, Fathali emphasized Iran's commitment to dialogue and negotiation on the nuclear issue. He stressed that any talks must take place within the framework of mutual respect, genuine commitment to obligations, and recognition of legitimate rights of the Iranian nation. Regarding relations with India, Fathali emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and trade cooperation, particularly in areas such as energy, petrochemicals, transportation, and agriculture. He also highlighted the need to advance joint infrastructure projects, including the Chabahar port, which has been granted a waiver for US sanctions for only six months. Fathali expressed Iran's appreciation for India's potential role in the Gaza peace process, emphasizing the need for an immediate halt to attacks, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and support for the rights of the Palestinian people. He believes that countries like India can play a constructive role in resolving the Palestinian issue. The Iranian ambassador's comments come as Iran and India seek to strengthen their bilateral ties and address the challenges posed by Western sanctions. With both countries sharing a long history of cultural and civilisational ties, there is a growing recognition of the need for greater cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and infrastructure development.