A serious warning from a board member of the Iranian Steel Producers Association about the threat of industrial shutdowns and energy supply instability
In the official board meeting of the Iranian Steel Producers Association held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Mr. Jahandar Shokri, CEO of Bisotoun Steel (part of the Shokri Industrial Group) and a board member of the association, strongly criticized current policies regarding energy and production, issuing a serious warning about the future of Iran’s steel industry.
Referring to the critical condition of private-sector factories, he stated:
“The steel industry, as one of the country’s strategic sectors, is on the verge of complete shutdown due to unstable energy supply. The slogan of supporting production and investment exists only in words—there is no sign of it in practice.”
He went on to say:
“Many private production units have already shut down. These closures have serious socio-economic consequences, particularly regarding employment. The destruction of capital and the exit of investors from the production cycle is a betrayal of the national economy.”
He concluded by expressing deep concern over the outlook for the steel industry:
“If this trend continues, it wouldn’t be surprising if we end up with an ‘Iranian Steel Importers Association’ instead of a producers’ association.”
Mr. Jahandar Shokri’s remarks reflect the voice of a segment of Iran’s industrialists—those who, despite their high potential, are suffering losses due to unfulfilled promises and policy incoherence, and now see the future of production shrouded in uncertainty.
