The Supreme Leader has commanded Iran’s officials to solve economic difficulties, without giving any detailed ideas on how to establish his “Resistance Economy” amid long-term internal issues and expanding US sanctions.

Ayatollah Khamanei told staff from the three branches of Government on Wednesday night:

There are no problems in the country that we cannot resolve….Officials should find solutions to overcome the existing economic hardship and to disappoint the enemy by resolving it….

We need extraordinary efforts…to find solutions for those domestic economic challenges and to confront cruel American sanctions. Serious decisions should be made.

Khamenei said, “Inflation and reduction of purchasing power has extremely restricted the livelihood of a large number of the people, especially the underprivileged.” He also cited issues with the banking system, liquidity, unemployment, and the Government budget.

The Rouhani Government has struggled with production, investment, trade, employment, and the environment as comprehensive US sanctions — including on the energy and financial sectors — approach on November 5.

Iran’s oil exports have fallen 30% since April, with the prospects of deeper cuts as India, South Korea, and Japan say they are suspending purchases in November.

Last week a Government agency said purchasing power of workers has fallen 90% in the past six months. There are ongoing protests over wages and working conditions, with a nationwide trucker’s strike in its third week despite threats of long prison sentences and even the death penalty.

The Supreme Leader has enjoined his officials to implement a Resistance Economy since 2012, amid international and US sanctions before the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 Powers (US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia). Donald Trump withdrew the US from the agreement in May.

Khamenei insisted to his officials, “With unity we can overcome all crises.”