From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Iran's Economic Strain Amid U.S. War Pause
Iranians face soaring prices and uncertainty as U.S. war pause offers little relief.
In brief
Iranians face soaring prices and uncertainty as U.S. war pause offers little relief. Iran's economic crisis worsens despite U.S. military pause, with rising inflation and daily struggles for essentials. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Iranian families face rising costs
Mariam, a 53-year-old mother of two, says prices have risen more than before, making essentials unaffordable.
“You go shopping and find that everything costs more than before”
U.S. war pause on October 8
President Trump stated the U.S. would not attack Iran before November 3 elections while maintaining naval blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
“President Donald Trump said on October 8 that the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections”
IMF forecasts 79% inflation in Iran
The International Monetary Fund predicts an economic contraction and average inflation of nearly 79 percent in Iran for 2026.
“The International Monetary Fund forecasts an economic contraction and average inflation of nearly 79 percent in Iran in 2026”
Business owners struggle with uncertainty
Reza, a 61-year-old business owner in Esfahan, feels frozen deciding whether to expand, cut back, or change his business operations.
“Honestly, I feel frozen”
Employees demand salary increases
Ali, a video production company owner in Shiraz, says employees are asking for raises because they can no longer afford basic necessities.
“My staff comes to me asking for salary increases because they can no longer afford the things they need”
Social atmosphere shifts
Nilu, a beautician in her mid-30s, says Iranians are socializing despite economic pressures, though deeper anxieties remain.
“People are going out, meeting friends and partying”
Economic hardship risks unrest
Nilu believes economic hardship could eventually provoke unrest in Iran, especially as prices rise and people face enormous pressure.
“I initially supported the U.S. war. I thought they might lead to a change in Iran, and I was hopeful that something different could come out of it”
Mixed views on war response
Hassan, a 23-year-old personal trainer, believes Iran should respond more aggressively to attacks but distrusts both U.S. and Israeli intentions.
“I don’t trust the United States or Israel, and I don’t believe they have Iran’s interests at heart”
Daily struggles persist
Mariam’s neighbors help each other buy food, but school bombings and economic strain continue to weigh heavily on families.
“Every time I look at my boys, I think about how fortunate I am that they are safe, and about the families whose lives have been changed forever”
The takeaway
Iran's economic crisis worsens despite U.S. military pause, with rising inflation and daily struggles for essentials.
