Nick Fountain

Like instead of Exxon or Boeing getting a contract, they get it.

By some estimates, they control 50% of Iran's economy.

They are the most powerful economic player in Iran.

If you ask Ali, who kind of narrowly avoided the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran, he says he does think sanctions have isolated the Iranian regime and weakened it economically, militarily and politically.

This is a rapidly evolving story.

Trump has been talking about maybe attacking Iran, and the U.S.

has been building up a military presence nearby.

This episode of Planet Money was produced by James Sneed.

It was edited by Marian McKeown, fact-checked by Sierra Juarez, engineered by Jimmy Keeley and Sina Lefredo.

Alex Goldmark is our executive producer.

And I'm Mick Fountain.

This is NPR.

Thanks for listening.

Big news, Planet Money listeners.

Planet Money is going on tour to promote our first ever book.

It's going to come out in April.

We will be celebrating in about a dozen cities around the country.

And because it's public radio, there will be a limited edition tote bag that is included with your ticket while supplies last.

Details, dates, and how to get your ticket are at planetmoneybook.com.

Or you can click the link in the show notes.