Iran’s currency plunges to record low as US sanctions loom
Iran’s currency has plunged to another record low, dropping past 100,000 rials to the US dollar, as Iranians brace for August 7 when the United States is due to reimpose the first batch of sanctions on their economy.
On Sunday, the Iranian rial plunged to 111,500 against one US dollar on the unofficial market, down from about 97,500 rials on Saturday, according to foreign exchange website.
Heavy Fighting Near Yemen’s Hodeida Kills Dozens
Heavy fighting along Yemen’s west coast between pro-government forces and Shiite rebels in recent days has left dozens dead from both sides, Yemeni officials and witnesses said Sunday.
The fighting to capture Zabid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, killed dozens from both sides of Yemen’s conflict, now in its fourth year. The coalition on Sunday targeted rebels in the district of ad-Durayhimi south of Hodeida with airstrikes, killing at least 18 people, the officials said.
French Carmaker Likely to Halt Iran Operations As Other Companies Leave
French car manufacturer Renault says it is likely to leave Iran to avoid renewed U.S. sanctions in spite of previous promises to remain.
Bloomberg quoted Renault Chief Operating Officer Thierry Bollore as saying on July 27, “Iran operations are likely to be put on hold to comply with U.S. sanctions.”
“We are looking to new business opportunities, particularly in Africa, with strong growth to offset the missed opportunities in Iran,” he said.
Afghan MP accuses Iran’s regime of arming Taliban
July 29, 2018 – Afghan media are citing Karameldinne Rida Zadah, an MP representing the country’s Ghor Province, accusing the Iranian regime of arming the Taliban.
The Afghan Taliban are using Iran-made weaponry in their attacks on Afghan authorities, continuing to endanger security and peace throughout this war-ravaged country and prolonging an already 17-year long conflict.
Local authorities in Ghor Province found Iran-made weaponry and munitions at the possession of a captured Taliban member.
Strike in Tools And Machinery Markets In Isfahan, Iran Following Unprecedented Exchange Rate Jumps
On Sunday, July 29, 2018, marketers and businessmen in the market for tools and machinery in Isfahan, Iran in protest of the high prices and rising rate of the dollar, and the economic turmoil closed down their shops and went on a strike.
Strike in the Isfahan tools and machinery markets is the start to a new round of protest and strike against the Iranian government’s failure to curb the exchange rate. The dollar and foreign currencies and coins are out of control and are rising on an hourly basis since Sunday morning.
Seventh Day of Nationwide Strike Of Truck Drivers In Cities Across Iran
On Sunday, July 29, 2018, truck drivers continued their seventh day of strike in protest over high costs of spare parts, retirement insurance, high commission fees and other demands.
The new round of strike, which began on Monday, July 23rd, was followed by the inaction of the promises of Iran’s parliamentarians, head of the social security organization, and government representatives to drivers.
