US sanctions on Iran hit ordinary citizens hardest as prices soar

The United States has launched what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called an "economic D-Day" against Iran, imposing severe sanctions that have collapsed the rial and driven inflation to 66 percent, with food prices up 128 percent. Ordinary Iranians report soaring costs and medicine shortages. Iran's oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen about 80 percent to 400,000 barrels daily, yet Tehran maintains sanctions-evasion networks involving front companies and shadow banking. Officials respond defiantly, while citizens describe empty markets and unaffordable essentials. Experts say the regime has historically shifted economic pain onto its population while protecting politically connected institutions, and unrest remains a key concern. Washington now targets Iran's enablers, including China, raising stakes in the financial offensive.