Kathmandu— More than six months into the ongoing war between Iran and a coalition led by the United States and Israel, the quality of life for most of Iran’s 90 million citizens has significantly deteriorated. While the Iranian political and military establishment has maintained its ideological principles, ordinary Iranians are struggling with economic hardship, infrastructure damage, and increasing restrictions on personal freedoms. The conflict began with strikes that resulted in the death of the Supreme Leader, leading to his son Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the role while the government attempts to navigate a split between diplomatic resolution and continued fighting.

Political Division and Diplomatic Impasse

Within Iran’s leadership, disagreements persist regarding the path forward in the conflict. Some advocate for a diplomatic solution, while others favor continuing the fight until the US withdraws, but all maintain that no concessions will be made to the United States or Israel. Despite reaching an understanding with Oman to open a transit route through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway severely impacted by attacks—the deal faces opposition from the Trump administration, which seeks unrestricted access. International mediation efforts have so far failed to yield any breakthroughs, compounded by Washington’s imposition of stringent sanctions against Tehran.

Economic Crisis Deepens

Iran's economy, already weakened by decades of mismanagement, corruption, and prior sanctions, is now operating at a fraction of its potential. Inflation reached 89 percent year-on-year in late August, with food prices soaring over 127 percent during the same period. Bijan, a data analyst in Tehran, noted that his salary—equivalent to $1,000 just three years ago—has been eroded by inflation and is now worth less than $500. The Iranian rial recently hit an all-time low against the US dollar, further exacerbating economic woes. Damage to critical infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, has led to fuel and electricity shortages as winter approaches, prompting the government to reduce fuel quotas and plan for price increases.

Social Control Tightens

As external pressures mount, Iranian authorities are intensifying social control measures. While officially promoting a message of “sacred unity,” there is a clear disconnect between official rhetoric and the realities faced by many citizens. President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly acknowledged severe financial difficulties and the government’s inability to improve living conditions. Simultaneously, the judiciary continues to carry out executions—including those linked to past protests—and the Ministry of Intelligence has issued lists of individuals and media outlets that Iranians are prohibited from contacting. Authorities have also increased enforcement of mandatory hijab laws and shut down businesses deemed noncompliant with Islamic norms.

The situation in Iran remains precarious, with no immediate resolution to the conflict or economic crisis in sight. The government faces a growing challenge balancing its ideological principles with the urgent needs of a population increasingly burdened by hardship and restrictions.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.