For months, a public spat has been brewing between the conservative-dominated Iranian parliament and the pro-private sector Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA). Heated exchanges have involved mutual accusations of misconduct. This points to tensions that may be rooted in competition over economic interests among various networks. Considering the ongoing structural shifts in the Iranian economy, such as the discontinuation of the subsidized exchange rate—a key source of rent for well-connected actors—the competition is bound to intensify.

Buildup to a blowout

Iran has a peculiar economic structure with ownership divided between the government, semi-state entities and the private sector. Experts agree that the private sector is the smallest and most vulnerable of the three dimensions, mainly because it lacks the political power of the other two sectors...