Iranian Families Cut Essentials Amid War-Driven Inflation

Iranian households are cutting spending on food, housing, education and health care as the eight-month war with the United States compounds longstanding economic problems, including sanctions and mismanagement. The conflict has disrupted oil exports, trade and government revenue, while wages lag behind rising costs and businesses report weaker demand. September consumer prices were nearly 90% higher than a year earlier, annual inflation reached 73.6%, and food and beverage prices rose 121.8%. Interviews with people across the country found families struggling to afford basic needs, and Iran’s economy minister acknowledged the mounting cost-of-living pressures.