The P4+1 countries and Iran continue to negotiate a return to the nuclear agreement in Vienna, Austria’s capital, while the Iranian people, who have been hit hard by US economic sanctions, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the country’s economic crisis and rising cost of living. The inflation reached 100% in some food products caused high cost of living in Iran, where inflation reached 50% due to US sanctions. People in Iran, who began the new year with Nowruz, want US sanctions lifted, nuclear negotiations to be successful, and the cost of living to be reduced.
Irfan Ahmedi, who came to Tehran’s big market with his family, stated that the purchasing power in the country has decreased and said, “The economic situation in the market depends on the purchasing power of the people. If you have money in your pocket, you can shop.”
Iranian university student Ahmad Jalili, who is hopeful for the re-signing of the nuclear agreement, said, “The people have a livelihood problem. The sanctions have affected us very badly. But I think that the nuclear agreement will be re-signed soon. If the agreement is reached, the economy will improve. The sanctions are lifted and we can sell our oil.”
Mina Direksand, who owns a clothing store in Tehran, complained that the purchasing power of the country has decreased compared to previous years and said, “Our sales have decreased even more this year compared to last year. The customers visiting our store just look around and leave as they cannot afford to buy new clothes.”
Ali Reza Kaffari, who is a peddler in Tehran’s big bazaar and subways, stated that he could not make sales and said, “Our sales have decreased a lot. No one buys anything anymore. They say that everything is getting expensive. Metro officials do not even take us to the subways anymore so that we do not sell.”