As United Nations sanctions returned in full force on Sunday, Iranians felt the strain deepen, with prices soaring and the rial sinking to new lows.
Iran’s government condemned as “unjustifiable” the reinstatement of the sanctions over its nuclear programme, following the collapse of diplomacy with Western powers.
The measures, which bar dealings linked to the Islamic republic’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, took effect overnight after Britain, France and Germany triggered the so-called “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear accord.
Tehran’s foreign ministry urged other countries to refrain from enforcing the sanctions, vowing to “defend its national rights and interests”.
Across the capital, frustration and anxiety mixed as many wondered how much worse life could get.