War-battered Iran wary of economic pain, unrest if US tightens pressure
DUBAI — Even as Iran projects resilience in the war with the United States, its leaders are worried that a threat of more economic punishment by Donald Trump could increase hardships, reignite unrest and further erode the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy. The U.S. president vowed on Friday to hit Iran hard economically, a day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would impose…
DUBAI — As Iran portrays strength in its ongoing conflict with the United States, its leaders are apprehensive about possible economic repercussions from potential further sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump. On Friday, Trump declared intent to inflict severe economic damage on Iran, following Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's announcement that such measures would be introduced as early as next week.
While the specific details of these measures remain undisclosed, the prospect of such economic strain has raised concerns among Iranian officials about the potential for widespread discontent.
Despite holding firm in the six-month-long war and successfully sealing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit channel, Iran's leaders acknowledge mounting domestic pressure that could lead to nationwide unrest. Three Iranian officials, comprising two political insiders, a former Iranian official, and a dozen common Iranians, revealed these concerns to Reuters on condition of anonymity, citing fear of retribution or lack of official authorization to speak to the media.
Iran entered the conflict with soaring inflation and a weakening currency, exacerbating the challenges posed by potential economic sanctions.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
