The economic situation in Iran has also played a role in the prevalence of corruption. The country has been plagued by economic sanctions for years, which have crippled its economy and forced many Iranians into poverty. This has created a fertile ground for corrupt practices, as officials take advantage of their positions to extract wealth from the population. Social factors have also contributed to the perpetuation of corruption in Iran. The culture of nepotism and favoritism prevalent in Iranian society has allowed corruption to become normalized and accepted as a way of doing business. In addition, the lack of a strong civil society and independent media has made it difficult to hold officials accountable for their actions.