Iran’s Aviation Collapse and Oil Corruption Expose Deepening Economic Fractures
US aviation sanctions have halved Iran’s international flights, forcing costly detours and straining ties with neighbors like Iraq and Turkey. Simultaneously, the rial hit a record low as US Treasury officials warned that Iran’s remaining oil exports to China could be exhausted within two weeks. Domestic political divisions have intensified over allegations that elite networks are profiting from sanctions-bypassing oil sales, while hardliners and moderates clash over diplomatic strategies with Washington.