Iranian families struggle to afford the basics as US ratchets up economic warfare

Tehran’s grocery stores are well-stocked, but many families are struggling to afford the most basic necessities. Unemployment is surging, and those with jobs are working longer hours for wages that are half of what they were a year ago. This has made food, medicine, and other goods, with the exception of subsidized gasoline, increasingly out of reach for Iran’s citizens.

Ahmad Karimi, a 52-year-old taxi driver and father of two, has been working 15-hour days to make ends meet. He stated, "We have virtually given up on many things." Many families are cutting back on essentials, such as fruit and protein, and have even given up leisure activities and work on weekends.

Since the war with the United States and Israel began six months ago, Iran’s economy has been severely impacted by sanctions and a naval blockade that has made it difficult for the country to export its most valuable product – oil. The country is now facing the highest inflation in nearly a decade, with experts predicting a 70% increase by the end of the year. The economy is also expected to contract by more than 5%.

The economic hardships are taking an emotional toll on Iranian families. A mother of two expressed her struggles on social media after purchasing groceries, saying that buying basic necessities has become her main priority and her shopping basket has become smaller and more limited. She added that the emotional and psychological pressure of these decisions is also exhausting.