Iran accuses U.S. of blocking access to food and medicine

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has accused the United States of conducting a war against civilian infrastructure by blocking access to essential food, water, and medicine. The accusations follow the intensification of U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade aimed at cutting off Tehran’s economic options.

U.S. Central Command (Centcom) reported that American forces have prevented approximately 100 commercial vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports over the last 60 days. This follows the implementation of the ‘Economic Pariah’ operation by Washington to isolate the Iranian economy. The situation is further complicated by rising inflation in Iran, which reached 89% in August, with food and beverage inflation hitting 127.5%.

Tensions have escalated in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit point. Recent maritime incidents include attacks on tankers and a reported attack on an Iranian commercial ship near Hengam and Qeshm islands, resulting in one death and three injuries. The conflict continues to impact regional stability and international energy trade.