Iran Internet Blackout Lets Afghan Traders Sell Iranian Saffron as Their Own

The head of the National Saffron Council stated that the internet outage in Iran has created a new opportunity for foreign competitors, such as Afghanistan, to register and supply Iranian saffron to the global market under their own name.

According to domestic media, exporters of “Red Gold” believe that internet restrictions have not only led to the loss of foreign markets but have also provided fresh opportunities for rivals, particularly Afghanistan, to offer Iranian saffron as their own in global markets.

Mohsen Ehtesham, Chairman of the National Saffron Council, complained about the cutoff of international internet access, even for exporters, adding: “These restrictions have dealt a heavy blow to exporters; the lack of internet has made it impossible for many exporters to communicate with international clients or dispatch their goods on time.”

He emphasized: “This situation has created a new opening for foreign competitors like Afghanistan, who are registering and supplying Iranian saffron to the global market under their own name.” Ehtesham noted that, unfortunately, following the internet shutdown in recent times, exporters have had no direct contact with international customers and could not even hold conversations to ensure whether goods had reached them. This issue has not only limited exports but has also eroded the standing of Iranian saffron in the global market.

It has been exactly two months since the internet was cut off at an unprecedented level in Iran. Depriving Iranians of this citizenship right has caused serious and, in some cases, irreparable damage to people’s livelihoods, economy, and mental well-being.