Iran's economy is a mix of central planning, state ownership of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and services.
* **Energy & Heavy Industry:** The economy is heavily reliant on the hydrocarbon sector. Petrochemicals, steel, copper, and automotive manufacturing form the industrial backbone. * **Bazaars:** The traditional Bazaar remains a vital economic and social institution. The **Grand Bazaar in Tehran** and the UNESCO-listed **Historic Bazaar of Tabriz** are major centers for wholesale and retail trade. * **Tech & Startups:** Despite economic isolation, Iran has cultivated a largely self-contained and thriving tech ecosystem. Local equivalents to global platforms dominate the market in ride-hailing, e-commerce, and food delivery. * **Agriculture & Crafts:** The country is a leading global producer of saffron, pistachios, caviar, and high-quality hand-woven Persian carpets, which remain crucial non-oil exports.