Iran Faces Gas Lines as Sanctions Bite, but Leaders Show No Sign of Yielding

Gas lines have formed across Tehran as U.S. sanctions tighten, with residents waiting hours to fill tanks amid fuel shortages and price fears. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed to fully sever Iran from the global economy, but leaders show no sign of bowing. Iranian officials discuss reducing heavy fuel subsidies as the blockade and existing sanctions strain supplies. Inflation has soared and the rial hit a record low, leaving citizens struggling to afford basics like milk and pasta, though stores remain stocked. No protests have erupted since January's violent crackdown, but analysts warn resilience has limits. The UAE's trade cutoff and Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure create a standoff, with both sides betting the other's clock runs out first.