Leyla, a pensioner living in western Tehran, says each trip to the supermarket brings an unpleasant surprise. A tub of ice cream and yogurt cost her about 10 million rials (just over $5). She receives 180 million rials ($94) monthly after a 40% increase this year, but it barely covers essentials.

Decades-old structural economic issues, local restrictions, and the devastating war launched by the US and Israeli regimes in February continue to worsen life for Iranians. Under sanctions, purchasing power is collapsing, food, rent, and medicine are unaffordable, and unemployment, power cuts, and internet disruptions are rampant.

Masoud, a Tehran resident, said his landlord agreed to a rent increase of just under 50% after negotiations. The government caps rent hikes at 27% in Tehran and 25% elsewhere, but these often become floors rather than ceilings, forcing tenants into dispute councils.

Inflation hit nearly 90% last month, with food inflation at 134% year-on-year. The national currency fell to a record low of 1.9 million rials per dollar. The government nearly doubled bread prices, and petrol prices are expected to rise.

Experts note slow loan disbursements, banking disruptions from cyberattacks, and unemployment insurance that misses most informal and digital workers. The country is struggling to recover from deadly protests in January and two wars in less than a year.

During the wars, US and Israeli regimes systematically bombed civilian targets including ports, airports, oil and gas facilities, and power plants. Damage is estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Power blackouts have caused water shortages in some provinces.

Despite hardships, many Iranians try to maintain normalcy. However, authorities temporarily closed numerous cafes and shops in central Tehran where people gathered. Renowned football commentator Adel Ferdosipour broke down in tears after his website and app were removed, accusing authorities of intolerance.

Source: www.aljazeera.com