The United Nations reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran early Sunday, intensifying pressure on the country’s already struggling economy as citizens face soaring food prices and widespread financial hardship. The move followed failed last-minute diplomatic efforts at the U.N. and triggered the “snapback” mechanism built into the 2015 nuclear deal. The sanctions took effect at 0000 GMT (8 p.m. Eastern) and will freeze Iranian assets held abroad, halt arms transactions, and penalize the development of Iran’s ballistic missile program. Iran’s withdrawal from nuclear monitoring agreements after the June war with Israel, combined with its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, spurred France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to activate the snapback process.
The economic toll on ordinary Iranians is severe, with the rial currency at record lows and inflation officially reported at 34.5% in June. The price of staple goods like rice, meat, beans, butter, and chicken has soared, leaving families unable to afford basic meals. The psychological strain of runaway inflation and fears of renewed fighting with Israel and the U.S. has led to a spike in mental health cases, according to local reports. At the same time, activists warn of a wave of repression, with executions in Iran reaching levels not seen since 1988, following years of protests demanding economic relief, women’s rights, and government reform. Despite Tehran’s insistence that its nuclear program is peaceful, critics argue the regime’s actions are deepening international isolation while its citizens bear the brunt of economic and social fallout.
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