Massive lines at gas stations across Iran were spotted on Tuesday after the United States announced “Operation Economic Outcast,” an escalated campaign of economic sanctions and physical isolation against the regime in Tehran. Al Arabiya spoke to Tehran residents who were apprehensive about the impact of the new sanctions, although some repeated the regime’s mantra about the “resilience” of Iranians as they contemplated gas shortages, soaring unemployment, and astronomical inflation rates.
The Iranians quoted by Al Arabiya notably used their real names, suggesting their contacts with the press were approved by the regime. “Naturally, sanctions affect people’s lives. People are being hurt, both those who are financially well-off and those who are financially weak. Yes, these sanctions are having an effect, but naturally, our people are resilient. These sanctions have been in place for 47 years,” said a realtor named Mehdi Yazdian. “I personally am not afraid of war at all because this is our land, but I think that this war will be more economic and will cause people to feel a lot of pressure, and now maybe there will be protests again,” said an English teacher named Kia Farahani.
The regime remained defiant, with Economy Minister Ali Mandanizadeh claiming its planners had long anticipated the dramatic escalation of sanctions outlined by Bessent on Tuesday. “We’ve been waiting for these plans for a long time, and the government is and was ready and has a two-year plan to manage these events,” said Madanizadeh. Tehran-based economist Saeed Laylaz appeared to lose an argument with himself while talking to Al Arabiya, beginning with a confident declaration that the U.S. “has nothing that it can do that had not been done before,” but then wondering if the regime was truly prepared to handle another stiff blow to its faltering economy.
“I have doubts about the internal governance of the Iranian economy and whether the government is fully capable or prepared to deal with Iran’s internal issues, including, for example, fighting corruption, fighting bank imbalances, fighting inflation, timely financial, monetary and economic policies,” he said. The National on Tuesday saw “signs of panic-buying in Tehran,” while government spokespersons struggled to reassure the public that “no decision has been made so far” to increase gas prices – although there could be some uncomfortable “structural reforms” to come. (Read More)
The regime remained defiant, with Economy Minister Ali Mandanizadeh claiming its planners had long anticipated the dramatic escalation of sanctions outlined by Bessent on Tuesday. “We’ve been waiting for these plans for a long time, and the government is and was ready and has a two-year plan to manage these events,” said Madanizadeh. Tehran-based economist Saeed Laylaz appeared to lose an argument with himself while talking to Al Arabiya, beginning with a confident declaration that the U.S. “has nothing that it can do that had not been done before,” but then wondering if the regime was truly prepared to handle another stiff blow to its faltering economy.
“I have doubts about the internal governance of the Iranian economy and whether the government is fully capable or prepared to deal with Iran’s internal issues, including, for example, fighting corruption, fighting bank imbalances, fighting inflation, timely financial, monetary and economic policies,” he said. The National on Tuesday saw “signs of panic-buying in Tehran,” while government spokespersons struggled to reassure the public that “no decision has been made so far” to increase gas prices – although there could be some uncomfortable “structural reforms” to come. (Read More)
