That's what I'm saying. In a globalized economy, every country must focus on its strengths and trade. Imagine if Japan tried to grow everything it consumes by itself. It would be impossible. Iran should export as much energy as possible and focus on drought resistant crops. Trading oil for wheat/tea and other vital commodities is good idea also, especially when Iran's currency is so devalued at the moment.
Honestly I believe that the Iranian government should peg Iran's currency to gold, silver, copper and oil for starters, just like Russia did. Unfortunately in Iran's case, unfriendly nations are not forced to purchase Iranian oil/gas, therefore Iran can't force them to buy Rials the way Russia has forced the EU to buy Rubles. Anyways, something is better than nothing.
Honestly I believe that the Iranian government should peg Iran's currency to gold, silver, copper and oil for starters, just like Russia did. Unfortunately in Iran's case, unfriendly nations are not forced to purchase Iranian oil/gas, therefore Iran can't force them to buy Rials the way Russia has forced the EU to buy Rubles. Anyways, something is better than nothing.
Globalization still works for Iran given the fact that they are still importing wheat and many other staple crops. This includes from even the USA in the past. Food is generally not a sanctionable item.
Iran was under sanctions and embargo since 1979. It wasn’t until it’s currency unraveled that this even became an issue. Which was in last 5 years. And even then the issue was massive subsidies government paid to keep prices lower than other countries in Middle East. Which just encourages smuggling.
Why would a Iranian farmer grow and sell wheat to Iranian government for $50 cents when he can export it to Dubai or anywhere else for $1.25? So Iranian government would have to either
A) Subsidize the farmer to incentivize selling to government
B) Buy at global wheat prices
C) open government operated farms and take a loss on profits selling far below market rates.
Which puts you basically at the same problem you were at when you importing from Russia or any other country using Ruble/Rupee/foreign reserves. So now all you did was dwindle your depleting natural water sources growing all these crops.
It’s easy to say “Iran should grow everything themselves” and then give no realistic detailed solutions on how to do it.
I posted above the reality of ever changing Iranian climate and global climate. The Middle East is going to be affected tremendously over next 50-75 years at current pace.
Innovative solutions are required to make sure fresh water supply is abundant and THEN after securing domestic fresh water supply, you focus on making food supplies secure thru various trade routes and local growth.