Economy & Environment

Days after the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, media in Tehran are sounding the alarm over deep flaws in the governing system and a worsening economic crisis, warning that the Islamic Republic's survival is increasingly at risk.

As inflation surges and the value of Iran's currency plunges daily, workers are facing unprecedented economic pressure, with wage negotiations at a standstill.

Iran says the future of the Indian Ocean must be decided by its own nations rather than shaped by external powers as Tehran tries to gain further control in the key waterway on its southern coast.

Veteran politician and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri has called for the dismissal of officials responsible for Iran’s energy crisis, arguing that widespread power outages could have been prevented even without the country’s oil and gas resources.

After the Chinese government banned sanctioned oil tankers from entering Shandong port—China’s largest terminal for Iranian oil—China’s imports of Iranian crude fell by more than half in January.

Despite President Donald Trump's announcement to reinstate his maximum pressure sanctions on Iran, experts doubt the policy can truly cut Tehran's oil shipments to force the concessions he seeks.

As Iran faces deteriorating economic conditions, anti-government protests have erupted across the country, protesting ongoing power shortages and food price hikes, videos obtained by Iran International show.

US sanctions on Iran and Russia are warding off buyers and stranding vessels laden with their oil at sea, Reuters reported on Wednesday citing trade sources and analysts.

Prices of roughly 400 medications covered under Iran’s national healthcare system have increased from 10-20% or even several times higher, the country’s social Security Organization said.

The rapid depreciation of Iran's national currency in recent weeks amid fading prospects of direct talks with the US has deeply unsettled many Iranians who face ruin in their daily lives and businesses.

Unannounced power cuts hit several parts of Tehran on Tuesday evening amid a deepening energy crisis that is forcing the government to shut down all schools, universities and public offices on Wednesday.

A hardline newspaper in Iran has warned of potential protests and unrest across the country amid a confluence of political tensions over US talks and devaluation of the national currency, criticizing the administration’s handling of the crises.

As food costs continue to climb in Iran, agricultural products like fruits and vegetables have seen sharp increases with exports driving up domestic prices.

Iran’s currency, the rial, plunged to a record low of 891,000 per US dollar on Saturday, following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rejection of talks with Washington the day before.

The economic impact of US President Donald Trump's renewed "maximum pressure" policy on Iran is set to be significant, as he announced this week that his goal is to reduce the country's oil exports to zero.

The United States announced sanctions on networks involved in shipping Iranian oil to China on Thursday, two days after President Trump reinstated the so-called maximum pressure policy on Iran from his first term.

Political figures in Tehran are divided over ties with Moscow and Beijing. Some warn that Russia could exploit Iran’s tensions with the US, while others stress the importance of trade ties with both countries.

Shopkeepers in southern Tehran went on strike on Tuesday protesting runaway inflation and the rial’s steep devaluation, according to videos received by Iran International.