Iran ’s economy expanded 4 percent in the six months from March 21, President Hassan Rouhani said today, in a return to growth following two years of recession. In the 16 months since it came to power, the government has also “curtailed inflation from 40 percent down to 17” percent, Rouhani said in a speech in the eastern city of Birjand, according to the Iranian Students News Agency . “Economic revival has begun.” Efforts to secure a deal with world powers over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program have won Iran some relief from economic sanctions, though talks on a permanent deal have been extended until July amid major differences. A 45-percent plunge in the price of crude this year threatens to slash oil revenues that account for the bulk of government spending. Rouhani today blamed “plots” by nations he didn’t name for driving down the price of crude. Oil […]