Campaigning for re-election in May, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has declared that his Government will seek full employment.

In a series of appearances opening economic projects, Rouhani staked his bid on the promise of further recovery in his second term, following the July 2015 nuclear deal.

He pointed to the construction of piers in a port on the Caspian, railroads in northern Iran in cooperation with Azerbaijan, and — days after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin — negotiations with Moscow for transport links between the Persian Gulf and Russia.

The President made sure he allied himself with the Supreme Leader’s proclamation of the “Year of Resistance Economy”, asserting, “With regard to the fact that the current year is the year of production and employment, job-creating projects are a top priority for the government.”

The Government has succeeded in bringing inflation down from more than 40% to less than 9%, and oil exports have recovered by more than 40% since the January 2016 implementation of the nuclear deal. However, it faces challenges in confirming essential foreign trade and investment amid continued US sanctions and internal disputes.

Unemployment has risen to 12.7%, compared with 9.5% in late 2014, and is particularly high among Iran’s youth.

Rouhani assured his audience, “We must all join hands, and if we’re together all is possible.”

TOP PHOTO: President Rouhani with officials at the opening of piers at a Caspian Sea port on Thursday