US blockade has little impact: Iran

Food Security | 85% of goods produced locally, says minister; Tehran rallies continue

Dubai: Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri claimed on Tuesday that a US naval blockade has had minimal impact on Iran’s food security. Nouri explained that 85% of agricultural products and goods are produced domestically, making the country self-reliant. He noted despite the blockade, which Tehran views as a ceasefire violation, Iran’s geographic size allows for continued imports through various border points.

The statement comes amid rising tensions, as Iranian hard-liners held rallies late on Tuesday night. These demonstrations followed the breakdown of potential talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran. During the events, members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps appeared to display a ballistic missile on a mobile launcher. Iranian state TV aired footage of men carrying Kalashnikov-style rifles atop a Qadr ballistic missile. These missiles are capable of deploying cluster munitions, similar to those used by Iran in previous conflicts.

In Dubai, the UAE govt responded to recent mentions by Donald Trump regarding a potential currency swap. The UAE Embassy in Washington early on Wednesday signalled the country remains financially robust. The embassy dismissed any suggestion the UAE requires external financial aid, calling such claims a misreading of the facts.

It said the UAE economy is one of the most resilient globally. It is supported by more than $2 trillion in sovereign investment assets and more than $300 billion in foreign currency reserves held by the UAE central bank. Further, the UAE banking sector holds $1.5 trillion in deposits. 

Meanwhile, the US Dept of State in a fresh advisory on Wednesday asked Americans to leave Iran without delay, even as the country’s airspace has begun to partially reopen.