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US ‘economic asphyxiation’ of Iran sends Tehranites queuing for petrol

The US has announced fresh sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran into submission, causing long queues at petrol stations in Tehran. Despite Iran's decades of sanctions resilience, some residents fear the new measures could spark protests again.

By Agence France-Presse·Aug 25·scmp.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

US ‘economic asphyxiation’ of Iran sends Tehranites queuing for petrol
Image: scmp.com

The US has turned to economic levers in its war on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announcing plans for the 'economic asphyxiation' of Iran. Long queues have formed at petrol stations in Tehran, with some residents fearing the new measures could spark protests again.

Why it matters

The US sanctions on Iran could have significant implications for the country's economy and residents, potentially leading to protests and unrest.

Imagine you're living in a city where there's a big war going on. The government is trying to hurt the other side by not letting them get the things they need, like food and petrol. This is what's happening in Iran right now. The US is trying to stop Iran from getting petrol, which means people have to wait in long queues to fill up their tanks. It's like a big game of economic warfare, and it's affecting the lives of ordinary people.

Analysis

Economic Asphyxiation: A New Front in the War on Iran

The US has long been a proponent of economic sanctions as a means of pressuring Iran into submission. However, the latest round of sanctions announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent takes this approach to a new level. The 'economic asphyxiation' of Iran is a deliberate attempt to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the regime, leaving it vulnerable to collapse.

But how effective will this strategy be? Iran has endured decades of sanctions, and its residents have shown remarkable resilience in the face of economic hardship. However, the latest round of sanctions may be different. With the war on Iran grinding to a stalemate militarily, the US is looking to economic levers to gain the upper hand.

The impact of the sanctions is already being felt in Tehran, where long queues have formed at petrol stations. Residents are being forced to wait for hours to fill up their tanks, and prices are rising rapidly. This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it is a serious economic hardship that could have far-reaching consequences.

The Iranian government has shrugged off the tough talk from the US, but the people are not so sure. Property agent Mehdi Yazdian, 55, has urged the authorities to control prices, saying that the sanctions are affecting people's lives. 'Naturally, sanctions affect people's lives. People are being hurt, both those who are financially well-off and those who are financially weak,' he said.

The question now is whether the US strategy will pay off. Will the economic asphyxiation of Iran be enough to bring the regime to its knees, or will it simply lead to further suffering for the people of Tehran? Only time will tell.

Key points

  • The US has announced fresh sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran into submission.
  • Long queues have formed at petrol stations in Tehran, with prices rising rapidly.
  • The Iranian government has shrugged off the tough talk from the US, but the people are not so sure.
  • The sanctions could have significant implications for the country's economy and residents, potentially leading to protests and unrest.
The Upside

If the US strategy is successful, it could lead to a significant reduction in Iran's military capabilities and a decrease in regional tensions. This could create an opportunity for peace talks to resume and for a more stable Middle East.

The Downside

However, the sanctions could also lead to widespread suffering among the Iranian people, potentially sparking protests and unrest. This could have far-reaching consequences, including a destabilization of the region and a potential humanitarian crisis.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsiranussanctionseconomywar

Author

Agence France-Presse

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 25, 2026

Source

scmp.com

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Topics

iranussanctionseconomywar

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