Iranian port city feels pain of Washington's tightening economic measures

Bandar Abbas, an Iranian port city located along the Strait of Hormuz, is experiencing the consequences of tightened economic measures imposed by Washington following six months of war. The city, which was once bustling with boats, trucks, and workers, now feels a sense of quiet as the United States intensifies its economic pressure.

The Associated Press recently visited the city and observed the impact of recent U.S. airstrikes targeting coastal areas, which have left residents feeling a mix of anger and growing anxiety about their daily lives.

One taxi driver, Hamid Hajizadeh, expressed his confusion towards Americans, stating that while they are heroes in movies, the reality in Bandar Abbas is quite different. He recounted instances where Americans killed people in schools, wedding ceremonies, and bombed roads and bridges. Despite their heroic image in the eyes of many, Hajizadeh's words paint a grim picture of the consequences of the ongoing conflict.

Bandar Abbas, with its population of over 700,000 people, is particularly close to the events unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz, a location that has garnered global attention. The residents of this city have witnessed the ongoing conflict firsthand and have experienced little but danger and discomfort over the past half year. Mohammad Torabian, a worker at the dock providing services to passengers, described the current business situation as "terrible."

Before the war, the dock was bustling with as many as 50 trucks operating daily. However, the war has disrupted these services, and Torabian's experience reflects the broader struggles faced by the people of Bandar Abbas.