Iran’s gross domestic product in the first three months of this year, including oil, fell by 10.1 percent.

Based on the latest report from Iran’s Statistical Center that EconoIran published, the economy shrank by 4.6 percent without accounting for oil. The industries and mines sector fell by 14.7 percent, and services declined by 4.8 percent, while only agriculture grew, by 2.3 percent.

Ali Sarzayim, an economist, told EconoIran that businesses got through the first months by using inventory stockpiles and that the economy “ate from the pocket,” but raw materials would gradually run out and the situation could become tougher. According to him, without political opening and a reduction in sanctions, a lasting exit from this condition is not possible.