Al-Mayadeen: Iran Remained Resilient, Israel Fell

Saed News, Al-Mayadeen News Agency, yesterday Monday, in a note penned by Ziyad Nasir al-Din titled “Economy on the Frontline; A Wound Deeper than Military Attacks,” examined the deep economic crisis of the Zionist regime in contrast to the resilience of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s economic structure.

Loss of 3% of the Shekel’s Value and Accelerated Conversion of Assets to Foreign Currency and Gold

The note states: Israel’s currency, the shekel, has lost 3% of its value in a short period, coinciding with a massive flight of capital towards foreign currencies and gold; to the extent that markets are preparing themselves for a prolonged period of instability.

In a report published by the Institute of International Financial Studies in June 2025, economic expert Mark Stein emphasized that the shekel’s depreciation and the growing tendency of investors to buy gold and foreign currency are strong indicators of the market’s expectation of a long period of crisis and uncertainty.

Tourism and Aviation Industry: Complete Paralysis

Al-Mayadeen added: Following the suspension of flights and closure of airspace, Israel’s tourism and aviation sectors collapsed. Over 70% of this sector has incurred losses and is effectively shut down. Now, over 6 million settlers within the occupied territories have become geographical hostages; an economy once known as “the largest recreational economy in the Middle East” is no longer able to meet the most basic transportation needs of its population.

According to a report by the Israeli Chamber of Tourism in June 2025, airlines and tourism companies have lost nearly 75% of their revenue, and over 80% of flights have been canceled.

The author believes this crisis is not merely temporary but will have long-term impacts on Israel’s tourism reputation and hotel industry, especially as many employees in this sector seek to leave it.

Suspended Investments and Technological Recession

Al-Mayadeen writes that Israel’s economy is experiencing an unprecedented slump in foreign capital inflows. Numerous startup projects, particularly in the technology sector—which once symbolized the regime’s economic pride—have been postponed. With declining global investor confidence, companies are relocating their activities to more stable regions.

According to data from the Israeli Central Bank in the second quarter of 2025, foreign direct investment in the technology sector has fallen by 40% compared to the previous quarter.

Iran and the Economy of Resilience

On the other side of this equation is Iran: a country with a population exceeding 90 million that has been under the harshest sanctions and economic blockade for nearly 45 years.

Al-Mayadeen writes that these sanctions have led to complete financial isolation, bans on money transfers and the development of foreign infrastructure, targeting of refineries and industrial facilities, fuel crises, rising food prices, and slowed production.

The author adds: Despite these pressures, Iran’s economy has not collapsed. It is not based on apparent welfare or foreign aid, but on a “restorative” model relying on domestic capabilities. Unlike some nations, Iranians have not fled their homeland but have stood firmly on their land and identity. Meanwhile, the author notes, the identity promoted by the occupying regime for years worldwide has shaken in its first real crisis.

Narges Fatemi, an economic expert, stated that Iran’s economy is based on “internal flexibility,” which has made it resilient against external pressures.

Two Models, One Deep Contradiction

At the end of the note, Al-Mayadeen writes: This is a battle between two economic models: on one side, an economy shaped with the support of the world’s great powers but lacking roots, identity, or real sustainability; and on the other, an economy under siege, attack, and constant restrictions, yet rooted, resilient, and reliant on its own people.

The author reminds that victory in such a battle is not determined by budget figures or technology but by the degree of social cohesion and the ability to endure crises. The one who can stand firm in the storm is the ultimate victor; because true resilience is an invincible force.