Iran’s leaders acknowledge economic toll of war and pledge diplomacy

Iran's president acknowledged that sanctions and the US naval blockade have severely impacted the nation's trade, causing exports and imports to drop by nearly 35 percent while pledging a renewed focus on diplomacy and defense.

• Iran reports a 35 percent slump in exports and imports due to sanctions and US naval blockades.
• Iranian leadership publicly acknowledges the economic toll of ongoing conflict and pledges diplomacy.