US sanctions on Iran deepen economic crisis as food and cash run short

The United States has imposed new, harsh economic sanctions on Iran, prompting threats of military strikes against neighboring countries that comply. The escalation is causing severe hardship for ordinary Iranians. More than one million Iranians lost their jobs in the three months following the start of the American-Israeli war in February, according to official figures reported by AP. The International Monetary Fund estimates Iran's economy will shrink by five percent this year. President Donald Trump announced the sanctions alongside an existing naval blockade, stating Iran is "completely collapsing." Treasury Secretary Bessent called it the "largest financial offensive" against an adversary state. China, Iran's main oil buyer, indicated it will not participate in the new sanctions.