Updated

Iran's economy is under severe strain, with inflation running at 85%, oil exports falling near zero, and the rial trading near record lows. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad resigned amid allegations that an intermediary trust owed millions in export receipts, though he denied the resignation was linked to Trump's claims. Iran's central bank is offering up to $2 billion in cash dollars to slow the rial's slide, sparking debate over whether the move can work or will simply deplete scarce reserves. Meanwhile, widening US sanctions are closing off alternative trade routes Iran has relied on, an investigation found sanctioned Bank Parsian moved millions abroad through intermediaries, and growing numbers of Iranians are crossing into Armenia for work as economic conditions worsen at home. Iran's central bank chief has rejected predictions of economic collapse.