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Iran’s Saffron Slump: From World Leader to Bulk Supplier
Economic Sector

Iran’s Saffron Slump: From World Leader to Bulk Supplier

Despite producing over 90% of the world’s saffron, Iran is rapidly losing ground in the global saffron value chain. According to official data, the average export price per kilogram of Iranian saffron has plummeted from $3,000 in 2011 to under $900 in 2023.

Iran’s Income Gap with Turkey Tripled Under Khamenei
Economic Sector

Iran’s Income Gap with Turkey Tripled Under Khamenei

Over the course of Ali Khamenei’s 36-year rule, Iranians' average income has plunged relative to that of their Turkish neighbors — dropping from near-parity in 1989 to just one-third of Turkey’s per capita GDP in 2024, according to World Bank data.

Iran Misses Out on Caspian Oil and Gas Boom
Energy

Iran Misses Out on Caspian Oil and Gas Boom

While the Caspian Sea has emerged as a major hub for hydrocarbon development over the past three decades, Iran—despite being a coastal nation—is largely absent from the regional energy scene.

Khamenei Shifts Rhetoric After Israeli Strike
Population

Khamenei Shifts Rhetoric After Israeli Strike

A data analysis of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speeches reveals a striking shift in his language following Israel’s surprise attack on June 13. The rhetorical pivot suggests a broader change in tone — and possibly, political strategy.

Khamenei Among Oldest, Longest-Ruling Rulers Worldwide
Population

Khamenei Among Oldest, Longest-Ruling Rulers Worldwide

Ali Khamenei, 86, is now among the oldest and longest-ruling authoritarian rulers in the world. For nearly four decades, he has held absolute authority in Iran — and amid the country’s war with Israel, he remains the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Iran’s Energy Lifeline Faces New Risk After Israeli Strikes
Energy

Iran’s Energy Lifeline Faces New Risk After Israeli Strikes

Israeli drone strikes on key gas sites have exposed major cracks in Iran’s energy armor, threatening up to 10% of its processing capacity. Now all eyes are on Kharg Island — the lifeline for 90% of Iran’s oil exports — as fears grow of a far more crippling blow.