Shortly after Iran’s centrist president 1–lassan Rouhani was elected in 2013, the country’s football team qualified for the World Cup, a sign, many said, that the new leader had brought them good luck. After eight years of worsening relations with the west under a bellicose Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, many citizens believed Rouhani’s election signalled a return to normality. People danced in the streets as the new president vowed to “unlock” Iran’s problems. They hoped for improved relations between the theocratic state and the west.
In his first press conference as president, Rouhani said the election had “opened a new chapter, as if all [voters] shouted that their sufferings have come to an end.” He added: “Your government of prudence and hope will materialise its promise of saving the country’s economy, reviving ethics and establishing constructive interaction with the world.” Now, as Rouhani prepares to step down after presidential elections on June 18, data show the now deeply unpopular leader has fallen short on many of his promises.
1. Debt racks up
Rouhani swept to power in 2013 promising to open talks with Washington and other global powers to lift economic sanctions. His efforts resulted in the historic nuclear accord in 2015, whereby restrictions were eased and, in return, Iran curbed its nuclear activity. Oil sales boomed. But when Donald Trump abandoned the deal in 2018, oil sales plunged again — and with it Iran’s income.
Since then, the government has sought to diversify non-oil exports and has increased corporate taxes, heaping pressure on struggling small businesses.