The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamene, urged the Iranians to buy all Syrian products in support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, according to sources. Sources said that such a demand made by the highest religious authority in Iran demonstrates the strong relations between Iran and Syria, despite rumors in the media that relations had declined lately. Tehran agreed to buy the Syrian surplus of citrus crops right after the Arab League announced economic sanctions on Syria. Tehran also decided to sell its oil in Syrian pounds to support the currency. Economic relations between both countries witnessed a noticeable development during the past few years, and the Syrian-Iranian Businessmen Council was established. It could also be shifted into a commercial chamber. Both Syrian and Iranian businessmen seek to increase trade exchange between the countries to U.S. $2 billion. This number is expected to rise under the economic sanctions.
