Tehran – As Iran endures prolonged economic sanctions and the fallout from regional conflicts, a growing number of citizens are facing unemployment and severe financial hardship. Recent data from the Ministry of Labor indicate that unemployment has risen to 13.2 % in the fourth quarter of 2025, with youth unemployment surpassing 25 %. Inflation, now hovering around 45 %, has eroded purchasing power, making basic necessities unaffordable for many families. Interviews with affected workers in Tehran, Isfahan and Mashhad reveal a common story: layoffs in the oil‑refining sector, reduced public‑sector hiring, and the collapse of small‑business enterprises. Human‑rights groups warn that the economic strain is fueling social unrest, while the government pledges to implement “targeted relief programs” and to negotiate further oil‑export agreements to alleviate the crisis.
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