{
  "id": 6727012,
  "title": "War, sanctions and inflation leave Iran short of hundreds of medicines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/war-sanctions-and-inflation-leave-iran-short-of-hundreds-of-medicines",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-11T07:10:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/11/war-sanctions-and-inflation-leave-iran-short-of-hundreds-of-medicines"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iran's pharmaceutical industry grapples with an alarming shortage of medicines, soaring prices, and disrupted supply chains, as the conflict with the US drags into its seventh month and sanctions take their toll. Roughly 90 essential medicines are currently out of stock, according to Iranian media, though local production of 400 of these drugs fails to alleviate the crisis, as many rely on imported components. Hadi Ahmadi of the Iranian Pharmacists Association disclosed that many domestic manufacturers are vulnerable due to their dependence on foreign raw materials.\n\nParliament member Ruhollah Lak Aliabadi attributed the issue to difficulties obtaining imported inputs, directly impacting production and distribution. Vahideh Mahmoudkhani, head of Iran's trade center in Shanghai, revealed that the ongoing war has either severed or significantly delayed supply routes, leaving some drugs stuck in transit. Despite claims of a resumption of trade following a temporary lifting of the US naval blockade, Tehran's economy remains the target of a broader economic campaign.\n\nIn August, the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, reinstated after talks failed, and launched \"Operation Economic Outcast\" to further impede Tehran's access to international financial networks. Since the war's onset, 44 companies in the medicines and medical equipment sector have been targeted, with staff members suffering casualties. Tofigh Daru, a pharmaceutical company, resumed operations after an Israeli strike, despite allegations of supplying fentanyl to a defense ministry research body, which the company denied.\n\nPrice inflation exacerbates the problem, with medications like gabapentin surging 220% in price, paracetamol rising 375%, and amoxicillin increasing by 285%. Insulin for diabetics has in some cases reached six times its original cost. The weakening rial on the open market further inflates prices, with over 70% of healthcare costs in Iran borne by patients. These financial pressures manifest as fewer patients seeking medical care, as exemplified by a laborer and tenant forced to pay a monthly sum exceeding his monthly wages for two essential treatments. The consequences are particularly grave for those with serious health conditions, where interrupted treatment can lead to irreversible harm.",
  "summary": "Prices for basic medicines such as paracetamol and insulin have skyrocketed amid major shortages of less common pharmaceuticals. More than 70% of healthcare costs in Iran are paid out of pocket, leaving the most vulnerable patients unable to afford treatment.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}