Expert says Iran must normalize US relations to revive economy

Iranian officials gathered on Sunday to pray over the casket of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the second day of funeral ceremonies. The solemn procession, attended by senior clerics and state leaders, marked the final stages of the nation’s mourning period following Khamenei’s death earlier in the week. The event was broadcast across the country, underscoring the central role of the Supreme Leader in Iran’s political and religious life.

Amid the funeral rites, writer Arash Azizi of *The Atlantic* highlighted the broader context of Iran’s current challenges. Azizi argued that the country must “normalise relations with the US somehow,” citing the severe economic damage inflicted by months of confrontation with the United States and Israel. He noted that the Iranian economy, already strained by sanctions and internal pressures, has been further weakened by the ongoing conflict, leaving the nation in a precarious financial state.

The funeral proceedings, while a tribute to Khamenei’s legacy, also serve as a backdrop for discussions about Iran’s future direction. With the economy in tatters and diplomatic isolation intensifying, the call for normalized U.S. relations reflects a growing sentiment that addressing external pressures may be essential for Iran’s stability and prosperity.