Uncertainty grips Iran as people adapt to life under US sanctions

Tehran, Iran – The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States has taken a toll on the country’s economy, with many residents struggling to make ends meet. In recent days, daily conversations in Tehran have centered around the war and its impact on economic survival.

On Monday, a loud bang was heard in the distance, prompting some individuals to check their phones for updates. However, most people continued with their work and daily routines, despite the heightened tensions. The Israeli military launched strikes against Tehran and other cities, as well as a petrochemical complex in Bandar-e Mahshahr, following an attack on Lebanon’s southern suburbs.

Iran has warned of further attacks if Lebanon is not spared, while US President Donald Trump accused Iran of shooting down a US military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. The US continues to impose a blockade that has squeezed Iran’s economy, exacerbating chronic inflation and mismanagement.

In Tehran, residents are experiencing price fluctuations and lower demand due to the economic downturn. The owner of a local cafe reported that he had taken items off his menu due to increased costs, with prices rising by 2.5 times for a kilogramme of coffee compared to just three weeks ago. He attributed this to the ongoing conflict and US sanctions.

Many vendors in Tehran are complaining about falling prices, with some reporting that their sales keep falling behind their next purchase’s price. The Iranian economy has faced chronic inflation, rooted in corruption, mismanagement, and US sanctions, which have isolated the country from international markets.

Source: Al Jazeera