Tehran’s grocery aisles remain stocked, but many Iranian families can barely afford the essentials. Unemployment has risen sharply and wages have been cut in half compared to a year ago, forcing households to cut fruit, protein, and even leisure activities.

“We have virtually given up on many things,” said Ahmad Karimi, a 52‑year‑old taxi driver and father of two who now works 15‑hour days. “We’re cutting out fruit, we’re cutting out protein, we’ve given up leisure, we even work on weekends.”

Sanctions and blockade tighten economic squeeze

Six months into the conflict that began on February 28, Iran’s economy is bearing the brunt of renewed U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade that hampers oil exports, the country’s most valuable export. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, has promised even harsher measures to force Iran into concessions.

Iran has long navigated Western sanctions by expanding domestic production, using informal cross‑border trade, purchasing restricted goods through third‑party nations, and operating a shadow fleet to move oil. “Iran’s resistance capacity not only avoids collapse, it also prevents the economic pain from translating into the political pressure the U.S. expects,” said Hadi Kahalzadeh, an economist at Brandeis University.

Rising prices hit families hardest

Prices for staples have surged dramatically. Rice now costs about 60 % more and beef 150 % more than before the war. A mother of two from northern Iran posted a photo of her recent purchase of milk, eggs, toilet paper and a few other items—no meat—reporting a total cost of 89 million rials (approximately $65). She said the emotional toll of having to deny children basic wants is “genuinely exhausting.”

The International Monetary Fund projects inflation near 70 % by year‑end and a contraction of more than 5 % in Iran’s economy, which was already weakened by a decade of sanctions before the war.

Potential fuel price changes loom

While gasoline remains cheap thanks to government subsidies, a presidential aide warned that consumption now exceeds domestic production and price hikes may be inevitable—an adjustment that has historically sparked protests.

Public sentiment turns toward sanctioning nations

Iranians have begun directing some of their frustration at the United States and Israel, the nations behind the sanctions and recent attacks that have damaged factories, infrastructure, and civilian lives. Economist Hassan Golmoradi noted that despite hardships, many have shown patience in enduring the economic pressure.

Protests that began earlier this year were violently suppressed, with thousands killed and many arrested. Iranian law classifies participation in anti‑government demonstrations as a treasonous offense punishable by death.

U.S. threats and regional impacts

On social media, Trump vowed to unleash the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country” against Iran and threatened secondary sanctions on entities that continue business with Tehran. The United Arab Emirates, a longtime conduit for Iranian trade, announced a suspension of all trade with Iran following a call from Trump to its leader.

Iran’s elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed a preference for a negotiated end to the war, citing concerns for livelihoods. Yet the powerful Revolutionary Guard continues to push for greater concessions, including control over the Strait of Hormuz and financial compensation.

Unemployment and social pressures

Official unemployment figures stand at 9.1 %, though many believe the true rate is far higher. The Labor Ministry reported that more than one million jobs have been lost in the first three months of the conflict.

In response to public discontent, the government has eased enforcement of mandatory hijab regulations, a modest social concession amid the broader economic crisis.

Karimi summed up the sentiment of many Iranians: “The people won’t be able to continue living like this. We’re simply breathing, surviving, and trying to make it from one day to the next.”

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.