Iranians stagger under soaring cost of living after seven months of war with the US

A Reuters report details the severe economic hardship faced by ordinary Iranians after seven months of war with the US. A US blockade has cut oil exports, driving up prices for basic necessities, rent, and medicine. Citizens describe selling items at a loss, losing jobs, and moving to cheaper areas. The economic strain may push Iran toward diplomatic compromise, though it continues to tighten its hold on Gulf energy exports.

A Reuters report details the severe economic hardship faced by ordinary Iranians after seven months of war with the US. A US blockade has cut Iran's oil exports, the state's financial lifeline, causing prices for basic necessities, rent, and medicine to soar. Citizens interviewed by Reuters describe selling items at a negligible profit, losing jobs, moving to cheaper housing, and being unable to afford basic necessities. One restaurant owner said he cannot raise prices because customers cannot pay more. A housewife in her 60s could barely afford medicine or adult diapers for her elderly mother. A teacher said he cannot always afford medicine for his mother. A psychotherapist gave up smoking because of the cost. An architect said even wealthier Iranians were cutting back. The economic strain may push Iran toward diplomatic compromise, though it continues to tighten its hold on Gulf energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up oil and gas prices. Iranian officials have repeatedly expressed fears of unrest and cracked down on dissent. In January, authorities killed thousands of demonstrators exasperated by years of cumulative economic distress.