Months after the US-Israel conflict with Iran pushed the country into one of its worst crises in recent years, ordinary Iranians are now struggling with a collapsing economy, increasing state repression and deep uncertainty about the future. While many citizens had initially hoped the conflict would weaken the ruling establishment, several reports suggest the war has instead strengthened the regime’s grip while worsening living conditions across the country.
According to reports, Iran is witnessing soaring inflation, widespread unemployment, medicine shortages and severe disruption to daily life following the conflict and sanctions. The country’s already fragile economy suffered extensive damage during the war, with infrastructure destruction, interrupted trade routes and restrictions on internet access adding to public misery. Analysts estimate that the conflict could shrink Iran’s economy by nearly 10 per cent this year.
Many residents have described the current situation as even more difficult than the period of anti-government protests that rocked the country earlier this year. Citizens speaking anonymously to international media outlets said they now feel abandoned, caught between an authoritarian government and foreign powers whose military intervention failed to bring meaningful political change.
The war, which escalated after joint US-Israeli strikes in February, triggered missile and drone retaliation by Iran and disruptions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The conflict also deepened existing humanitarian concerns inside Iran, where authorities had already been accused of violently suppressing protests and dissent.
Human rights groups and international observers have reported thousands of deaths and arrests linked to the government crackdown during and after the protests. Reports indicate that the regime used the war atmosphere to tighten control further, with increased surveillance, arrests and executions allegedly continuing under limited international scrutiny.
The economic fallout has been compounded by a prolonged internet blackout, which lasted nearly three months and severely affected businesses dependent on online trade and communication. Digital rights groups estimated that internet activity in Iran dropped to record lows during the shutdown, crippling the country’s digital economy and isolating citizens from the outside world. Although internet access has started returning gradually, many restrictions remain in place.
Several reports suggest that while sections of the Iranian public had initially hoped foreign pressure could lead to regime change, the conflict instead consolidated state authority. Political analysts noted that Tehran retained much of its military capability despite the attacks, allowing the leadership to project resilience domestically.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations between Iran and the United States continue amid global concerns over oil supplies and regional stability. However, many Iranians reportedly view the ceasefire not as a solution, but merely as a pause in a crisis that has devastated livelihoods and deepened public despair.
