The United States’ sanctions on Iran have played a pivotal role in crippling the country’s economy, a factor that has been central to the wave of protests currently sweeping the nation. Yet, despite this long history, former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he wants to “help” Iranians amid the unrest. In a post on his Truth Social account on Saturday, Trump wrote: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” He has reiterated similar statements in other public appearances. However, what these proclamations omit is a critical reality: decades of US-led sanctions—strengthened significantly during Trump’s own administration—have directly contributed to the economic crises that fueled the protests. To fully understand the situation, it is essential to examine the history and impact of these sanctions and how they have affected ordinary Iranians. What Sparked the Protests in Iran? The latest demonstrations began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, after the Iranian rial collapsed to record lows against the US dollar. Shopkeepers closed their businesses to protest soaring prices, signaling widespread economic frustration. The unrest has since spread nationwide, escalating into a broader challenge to the country’s leadership. By early January 2026, the rial was trading at over 1.4 million to the US dollar, a sharp decline from roughly 700,000 in early 2025. This rapid depreciation has caused severe inflation, pushing food prices up by an average of 72 percent compared to the previous year. A Brief History of US Sanctions Against Iran Iran is among the most heavily sanctioned nations globally. The first sanctions were imposed in November 1979, following the Iranian Revolution and the US embassy hostage crisis. This period marked the end of the Shah’s regime, who had previously ruled with backing from the United States, and highlighted the US role in Iran’s political history, including the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh supported by US and British intelligence. Over the years, sanctions intensified: These sanctions have not only constrained Iran’s nuclear ambitions but have also had devastating effects on the country’s civilian population. Economic and Social Impacts of Sanctions on Iran Income and GDP:Iran’s GDP per capita dropped from over $8,000 in 2012 to just above $5,000 by 2024. The steepest declines occurred after the Trump administration reimposed sanctions, sharply reducing oil revenues and access to global finance. Oil Exports:Iran’s crude oil exports fell dramatically, from around 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2011 to just over 400,000 bpd in 2020. While exports rose to about 1.5 mbpd by 2025, they remain far below pre-2018 levels, severely limiting government revenue. Currency Collapse and Inflation:The Iranian rial has lost tremendous value, exacerbating inflation and making imports prohibitively expensive. While a weaker currency can theoretically boost exports, sanctions have blocked most of Iran’s international trade, leaving the economy in disarray. Aviation and Public Safety:Sanctions have prevented Iran from purchasing new aircraft, resulting in a spike in deadly plane crashes over decades. Between 1979 and 2023, more than 2,000 fatalities occurred due to outdated or unsafe aircraft, highlighting the human cost of economic isolation. Corruption and the “Sanctions Economy”:Experts argue that sanctions have created opportunities for corruption. Trade and finance shifted into informal or black-market channels, benefiting elites while ordinary citizens suffered. Maryam Alemzadeh, a historian at the University of Oxford, notes that sanctions “have created new opportunities for corruption and given rise to – sometimes nameless and faceless – moguls that have swallowed the country’s economy.” The Human Toll of Sanctions The Iranian middle class has borne the brunt of the sanctions’ impact. Research by Mohammad Reza Farzanegan (Marburg University) and Nader Habibi (Brandeis University) shows that from 2012 to 2019, the middle class shrank by an average of 17 percentage points due to sanctions. After Trump’s maximum pressure campaign, the shrinkage increased to 28 percentage points, pushing teachers, civil servants, and fixed-salary workers into poverty. Purchasing Power:The collapse of the rial decimated purchasing power. Salaries that once supported middle-class lifestyles no longer suffice for basic necessities, forcing workers into low-paying, informal jobs without social protection. Healthcare and Life Expectancy:Sanctions have disrupted medicine imports, with essential drugs like anti-seizure medications increasing in price by up to 300 percent. A 2020 study shows that sanctioned nations typically lose 1.2 to 1.4 years in life expectancy on average, with women disproportionately affected. Environmental and Cognitive Impacts:The sanctions have hindered environmental reforms and the adoption of cleaner energy standards, contributing to severe air pollution. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to poor air quality negatively affects children’s cognitive development in cities like Tehran. Conclusion While political statements like Trump’s “we want to help” may make headlines, the reality for Iranians is starkly different. Decades of US-led sanctions—intended to pressure the government—have profoundly affected everyday life, shrinking the middle class, limiting access to healthcare, and fueling economic hardship. The protests in Iran are not only a political movement but also a direct response to decades of economic strain, much of which has been exacerbated by foreign intervention. To truly help the people of Iran, any meaningful assistance would need to address the long-term economic and humanitarian consequences of these sanctions, not merely offer rhetoric from afar.
President Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed on a broad range of military and covert strategies that could be used against Iran, according to two US Department of Defense officials who spoke to CBS News, the BBC’s American partner. The briefings reportedly included options such as long-distance missile operations, cyber warfare tactics, and psychological influence campaigns. These measures are being considered as tensions rise following weeks of deadly anti-government protests across Iran. While long-range missile strikes remain a possible route should the United States decide to intervene, Pentagon planners have also outlined alternatives designed to disrupt Iran’s internal command systems and communication networks without immediate large-scale ground involvement. The situation escalated further after President Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods imported from countries that maintain commercial relationships with Iran. The announcement came amid reports from human rights organisations indicating that over 600 protesters have been killed during nationwide demonstrations that have lasted more than three weeks. Despite the growing pressure, Iran’s foreign minister has stated that Tehran remains open to dialogue with Washington. However, he also stressed that the country is fully prepared to defend itself should diplomatic efforts fail. Sources say Trump’s national security team is expected to meet at the White House to evaluate the available options, although it remains uncertain whether the president will personally attend the meeting. Earlier statements from Trump suggested that the US military was reviewing “very strong measures” in response to continued violence against civilians. Trump also claimed that Iranian officials had privately reached out in an attempt to negotiate, though he warned that action could come before any formal discussions take place if the situation deteriorates further. Economic hardship has played a significant role in fuelling public unrest in Iran. The rapid collapse of the national currency, combined with long-standing economic mismanagement, has evolved into a broader political crisis that directly challenges the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Iranian representatives had contacted Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. She noted that Iran’s private communications differ sharply from its public messaging, while reiterating that the US president remains willing to use military force if he believes it is necessary. Defense officials further revealed that any potential US response would most likely rely on air power and advanced technological operations rather than ground troop deployment. American citizens currently in Iran have been urged to leave the country or prepare independent exit plans. In response, Ayatollah Khamenei accused the United States of deception and interference, while praising pro-government demonstrations organised across several Iranian cities. State media broadcast images of large crowds supporting the regime, even as reports emerged that citizens were warned against participating in opposition protests. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated on his Truth Social platform that the newly announced tariffs were final, though details on their implementation remain unclear. Analysts warn that the policy could intensify Iran’s economic struggles, particularly as food prices have already surged due to inflation and sanctions. Iran relies heavily on food imports, and any further trade disruptions could worsen shortages and increase living costs for ordinary citizens. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the UAE, Turkey, and India. Adding to the pressure, Reza Pahlavi—the son of Iran’s last monarch—has publicly urged Trump to act quickly to prevent further loss of life. Speaking to CBS News, he accused the current Iranian leadership of attempting to mislead the international community about its willingness to negotiate. Human rights groups estimate that at least 648 protesters have been killed so far, including minors. Due to severe restrictions, an ongoing internet blackout, and the inability of foreign journalists to operate freely inside Iran, the true scale of the casualties may be significantly higher.
