Ahmad Jannati told Friday Mass worshippers in Tehran that Iran’s economy is facing “serious problems” and “the U.S. is trying to regain its hold over Iran by defeating us through economic means.”
ISNA report that the Tehran Friday Mass leader told Iranians that the rise in prices is “a transient and periodic issue” but it cannot be easily dismissed, and “all officials and the people must rally to get involved in the issue as they did at the time of the [Iran-Iraq] War.”
The price of food in Iran has soared in recent months, and the government has blamed it on sanctions.
The U.S. and EU have imposed strict sanctions on Iran’s energy and financial sectors, which has led to a steep fall in the value of the Iranian currency.
Jannati insisted that the issue of rising prices must be seen as a wartime development.
The Iranian government has called on the public to save more money and to buy more domestic products.
Jannati said: “If we save, a major part of the problem will be resolved. Why idly spend on a variety of fruit, sweets and syrups for parties? Who says it has to be this way?”
“Some have unfortunately begun stockpiling food, causing shortages. This is nothing short of a sin. When sugar prices go up, you should become more frugal in the use of it,” the Tehran Friday Mass leader advised.
Jannati stressed that there must be more support for domestic production and manufacturing in order for the country to get through this difficult economic period.
