• UN sanctions reimposed on Iran have led to soaring food prices and economic hardship.
• The Iranian rial has reached a record low, intensifying the financial strain on the populace.
• Activists report a surge in executions amidst rising repression linked to the return of sanctions.
• Concerns about renewed conflicts with Israel and the US are heightening anxieties among Iranians.
• Reports indicate that ordinary citizens increasingly fear for their futures amid worsening conditions.

As Iran braces for the reimposition of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program, ordinary citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities. The Iranian rial has fallen to record lows, leading to significant increases in food prices which now put staples like rice and meat out of reach for many families. Reports from Iran show an overall annual inflation rate of 34.5% as of June, with critical food items seeing price increases exceeding 50% in this timeframe, further exacerbating the economic hardships faced by the population, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

The sanctions, triggered by the European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, effectively restart measures designed to punish Iran for its alleged breaches, including an arms embargo and asset freezes. Kelsey Davenport, a nuclear expert, warns that the assumption that these measures can exert influence over Iran without triggering further aggression is precarious, highlighting the risks of miscalculations in a tense geopolitical landscape, according to India Times and CBS News.

The reinstated sanctions have reignited fears among the populace of potential military confrontations, particularly with Israel and the US. Following a June war that saw extensive destruction in Iran, missile sites previously attacked are now reportedly being rebuilt. These geopolitical tensions are keeping the Iranian public on edge about the possibility of renewed conflict, further influenced by escalating rhetoric from regional powers, as noted by NPR and Al Jazeera.

While the economic outlook appears grim, reports indicate that the Iranian government has opted for repression in response to the mounting frustrations from within its population. Activists cite a "surge" in executions, with over 1,000 reported in 2025 alone, the highest rate since the post-Iran-Iraq war years. This atmosphere of fear is compounded by the government leveraging such measures against growing dissent related to economic conditions, according to Channel News Asia and NPR.

As the Iranian public grapples with these developments, there is an evident blend of despair and resilience. Citizens express concerns that the sanctions will further damage everyday life, pushing many towards financial ruin. Nonetheless, some demonstrate hope, asserting their endurance through past economic hardships, as shared by various voices in the community who reflect on both the anger and perseverance characterizing this moment in Iran's turbulent history, according to Los Angeles Times and CBS News.