Every Friday, Alawi crosses from Iran to Iraq to sell produce in Basra, a market favored by Iranians facing economic sanctions. He and other vendors bring essential goods at low prices, as the Iranian economy suffers from currency depreciation and inflation, resulting in profits they can’t achieve back home. Despite mistreatment at the border, they endure the journey, as earning in more stable currencies like the Iraqi dinar provides a vital lifeline amid harsh economic conditions in Iran.
