{
  "id": 15321356,
  "title": "Sanctions strangle Iranian economy as IRGC goes on high alert over civil unrest risks - analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/sanctions-strangle-iranian-economy-as-irgc-goes-on-high-alert-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T01:28:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-911995"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Senior Israeli intelligence officials estimate economic sanctions are crippling Iran's regime, prompting heightened readiness among internal security forces to avert potential civil unrest. The Iranian populace is reportedly tense, and a critical turning point may emerge within the next few months, contingent on American influence, despite the public's uncertain response. Meanwhile, the regime engages in diplomatic and military tactics to alleviate its alienation, issuing threats and conducting provocative acts across the region. Experts highlight Iran's fear of a sudden American or Israeli strike and its preparations for worst-case scenarios.\n\nFollowing recent US sanctions imposed on September 23 targeting Iranian flights, several nations suspended flights to and from Iran. China rejected the sanctions, while Turkey decreased flight numbers without entirely halting them. Armenia, Russia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan continue allowing Iranian flights due to diplomatic pressure. Iraq also secured designated flight corridors, excluding Baghdad. Iran maintains a proxy network, transferring millions of dollars. Reports from Beirut suggest approximately $200 million was recently sent to Hezbollah. Iran continues providing guidance, training, production assistance, and weapons transfers to the Houthis in Yemen and maintaining ties with pro-Iranian Shia militias in Iraq, seeking new anti-Western alliances to deter Gulf states and pressure Washington. Iran has renewed ballistic missile production and is repairing damaged weaponry, though progress is slow due to knowledge gaps and production limitations. Tehran is attempting to negotiate diplomatic channels to gain time, limit American maneuverability, and deter further strikes on its territory. Israel has warned neighboring countries that any Iranian offensive could trigger an exceptionally severe response. Israel has communicated these intentions to the US, Gulf nations, and regional mediators, stressing that they would respond more aggressively than during Operation Roaring Lion if Iran strikes first. Israel's defense officials confirm strong operational coordination between the IDF and US Central Command, with US President Donald Trump placing the military on high alert, keeping the option of strikes open until the last minute. However, an American strike prior to the US midterm elections is unlikely unless Iran initiates offensive actions or signals imminent regional aggression. Therefore, the IDF remains vigilant, monitoring situations in Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and the maritime region for unexpected aggression from Tehran or its proxies.",
  "summary": "According to assessments, the Iranian street is simmering, and the next boiling point, driven by American leverage, could arrive within months, though public reaction remains unpredictable.",
  "key_points": [
    "Senior Israeli intelligence officials estimate sanctions crippling Iran's regime",
    "Heightened readiness among Iranian internal security forces to prevent civil unrest",
    "Diplomatic and military tactics employed to counter alienation and threats"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Economic isolation forces the Iranian regime to leverage its proxy networks and military provocations to offset domestic instability and deter Western strikes against its shrinking influence.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}