In comments at a televise interview on Saturday night, Gholamreza Nouri said Iran has reduced its reliance on imports through stronger domestic production, adding that the country has achieved self-sufficiency in chicken meat production for the first time and is moving toward exports.

The minister said strategic reserves have increased continuously since the start of the US-Israeli war of aggression on February 28, despite economic restrictions and a maritime blockade.

He added that the private sector currently has more than one million tons of essential goods ready for distribution, stressing that “no foreign restriction or prohibition can put the food security of the people at risk.”

The minister said imports of essential goods are continuing according to schedule to maintain reserve levels, while the government is working to reduce costs resulting from sanctions through agreements and efforts to unlock frozen funds.

He also thanked the public for avoiding panic buying, saying that maintaining food security and the stable supply of essential goods remains a government commitment despite external pressures.