Iran's interior ministry has classified sharply rising prices in the country as "worrying," according to the online portal Hammihan. Spokesman Ali Seiniwand told reporters that inflation is pushing people into hardship, even as he insisted there was currently an oversupply of goods in Iranian markets.
Seiniwand urged the public to disregard rumors of supply shortages, which he characterized as hostile propaganda. In a move aimed at easing imports, Tehran directed customs authorities to allow private traders with their own storage facilities to bring in merchandise.
Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians reported drastic everyday price increases to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Bread prices have doubled within a single week, and meat and other staples have become unaffordable for many households. Shortages of medicines are also being reported.
The domestic crisis comes amid escalating pressure from the United States. Washington has imposed a naval blockade targeting ships that call at Iranian ports, oil terminals, or Iranian coastal areas, with the stated aim of halting Iran's oil exports and forcing Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make concessions in the nuclear dispute.
The U.S. also broadened its economic sanctions against Iran. The measures affect foreign banks and companies operating in key sectors including finance, oil, shipping, aviation, gold, technology, and cryptocurrencies.
