TEHRAN — Iran’s Economy Ministry has established an “economic war headquarters” to coordinate and accelerate its response to economic disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict, Deputy Economy Minister Morteza Zamanian said Sunday.Zamanian told the Tasnim news agency that the new body would initially focus on problems falling within the ministry’s responsibilities, including those affecting businesses, trade and financing.Its main task will be to centrally identify economic disruptions arising from wartime conditions and develop practical measures to address them quickly, he said.For issues extending beyond the ministry’s authority, Zamanian said it would use its role in broader economic policymaking, including through the government’s economic commission and economic headquarters, to coordinate with other institutions and pursue solutions at higher levels.He said the mechanism was designed to prevent problems requiring cooperation among several government agencies from becoming stalled by bureaucracy.Measures under consideration include tax and customs support, banking facilities and financial instruments for businesses affected by the conflict.The move comes amid the conflict that began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks across the region.Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding in June, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, outlining steps toward ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing economic restrictions.Tehran has accused Washington of failing to meet its commitments under the memorandum, including sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets.Washington, meanwhile, has accused Tehran of failing to meet its obligations and has maintained economic pressure, saying sanctions are intended to restrict revenue and financial networks that support Iran’s military and regional activities.
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