Part 6/12:
Despite Iran being one of the wealthiest resource countries in the world, the economy's reliance on oil has made it vulnerable. While Iran possesses the world's fourth-largest oil reserves, the revenue generated is insufficient to meet the country’s needs. Oil sales to China brought in approximately $18 billion, but falling global prices create a precarious situation. When oil prices dip below projections, national budgets take a hit, which, combined with an increase in global food prices, puts immense strain on governmental subsidies for food and fuel.