Once on track to become an economic powerhouse, Iran’s global standing has steadily eroded over the past 36 years under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a reversal of the rapid growth seen during the Pahlavi era.
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.
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.
Doping continues to plague Iranian sports, raising concerns about athlete health, fair competition, and the country's global reputation. From 2013 to 2023, more than 10,800 doping tests were conducted — 341 of which tested positive, a rate of 3.14%.
Iran has spent years tightening security around its nuclear program and personnel — long-standing targets of Israeli sabotage and assassination campaigns.
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.
Iran’s domestic consumption of mazut — one of the dirtiest fossil fuels — has more than tripled in the past six years, according to a classified Oil Ministry report obtained by Iran Open Data.
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.
Despite official claims of global excellence, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr has underperformed in both energy output and return on investment.
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.
For over 15 years, Iran’s nuclear program drained billions and cost the economy up to $3 trillion in lost opportunities. Now, that costly pursuit has culminated in a devastating war with Israel.
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.
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