Tehran traders face economic crisis amid soaring inflation

Traders in Tehran are facing severe economic hardship as soaring prices and currency instability impact daily commerce. In the Tajrish square bazaar, shopkeepers report a significant drop in sales, noting that customers who previously purchased goods by the kilogram are now buying much smaller quantities due to the rising cost of living.

The economic strain is attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, which began in February following US-Israeli attacks and an American blockade of Iranian ports. This conflict has exacerbated existing pressures from years of sanctions.

Official figures indicate that inflation reached nearly 90 percent year-on-year in September, with food prices more than doubling since last year. Local merchants are calling for authorities to stabilize the dollar exchange rate to allow for better business planning and to mitigate the risk of bankruptcy and layoffs.