Stories from Tehran · Iran

A United States bomb strike hit the Khatam Al Anbia hospital in Tehran on April 18, causing significant structural damage. The explosion led to the collapse of ceilings and walls, forcing staff, patients, and visitors to seek immediate cover. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding civilian casualties and regional escalation. Gunmen stormed a medical center in Tehran on January 18 and 19 during a period of high security. The attackers reportedly shot and killed some of the wounded individuals. Bodies of the deceased were removed from the hospital following the incident. The source stated the facility was under strict security measures at the time of the attack.

Inflation in Iran has climbed to 3.3% as ongoing conflict in the region drives significant hikes in fuel prices. This surge follows a pre-existing inflation rate that exceeded 60% prior to the war. The near-total internet blackout in Iran has reached its 60th day, according to the NetBlocks observatory. This follows reports from Donald Trump on social media claiming Iran has declared itself a collapsing state. Trump also stated that Iran requested Washington open the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Annual inflation in Iran reached 72 percent in March, according to reports. The United Nations Development Programme warned that war could push four million more people into poverty. Increasing unemployment is also placing pressure on the social security system. A major e-commerce firm has reportedly begun layoffs, which may be exacerbated by internet restrictions.

Workers in Iran are facing waves of mass layoffs and soaring inflation as the domestic economy is battered by ongoing war. Multiple dairy product factories have suspended production due to a shortage of packaging materials. These developments occur amid reports of economic instability affecting heavy industry. The report notes these developments are impacting the broader economy. The economic impact is reportedly spreading through heavy industry sectors. Asylum applications increased by 147,000 over the last two months. job losses are occurring across various sectors in Iran. Approximately 500 workers have lost their jobs at Payam Modern. Additionally, 190 workers at Gil Areh and 55 workers at another firm have been laid off. Minister of Labor and Head of the Technical and Vocational Training Organization, Gholam Hossein Mohammadi, reported these job losses.

The Iranian government has issued an initial assessment valuing its war-related losses at approximately $170 billion. Officials warned that any military strikes originating from neighboring southern territories would result in the total cessation of national oil production. This massive economic figure highlights the severe financial strain on the country's infrastructure and stability. Iran's annual import losses are estimated to reach $158 billion due to ongoing sanctions and maritime disruptions. In 2025, Iran's total commodity imports were approximately $58 billion. Experts suggest that reopening the Strait of Hormuz could generate $500 million in daily revenue for the country. The war has caused a direct economic loss of $1 million per day in Iran, according to Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security Gülham Hüsü'yün Muhammadi.

Iran has signaled that it may halt oil production if neighboring countries allow their territories to be used for attacks against Iran. Analysts from Kepler suggest the potential reduction in daily export volume is approximately 1.5 million barrels. The source stated that even oil tankers worth 250 million cannot be moved because exemptions have not been accelerated. Experts from Kepler research company suggest Tehran may reduce daily oil production by 1.5 million barrels per day by mid-May. This potential cut follows a sharp decline in crude exports since early April after the United States established a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Recent Iranian oil supply volumes have fallen to approximately 500,000 to 600,000 barrels per day. In March, Iran exported approximately 1,850,000 barrels per day.

Iran has warned its southern neighbors that it will halt oil production if their territories are used to launch attacks against the country. This threat comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows reports that Iran has not yet agreed to return to negotiations via Pakistan. The move poses a significant risk to global energy security and the stability of oil markets. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday, April 28, that Tehran has requested an end to the maritime blockade imposed by the United States. The Iranian government claims the country is on the verge of collapse. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal presented by the Iranian government. Efforts to end the conflict in Iran have reached a stalemate.

Iranian officials report that 168 children were killed in a school during a US military operation on the first day of the conflict. The claim highlights significant civilian casualties and intensifies diplomatic tensions regarding US-Iran relations. Mediators are being urged to pressure the US to demonstrate good faith following Iran's decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. The report states that Iranian attacks have targeted strategic assets across several countries, including US bases, military installations, and energy and diplomatic facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. These strikes have reportedly interrupted natural gas production in Qatar, the world's largest exporter. Casualty counts remain disputed between Iranian officials and human rights activists.

Iran has issued an ultimatum to the Trump administration and threatened to disrupt global oil supplies following the derailment of peace talks. This movement follows US efforts to prevent crude oil from reaching consumers. Iran is attempting to exit the current cycle of war and siege, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. The country lacks viable alternatives to the existing conflict stalemate. Analysts suggest that any refusal to engage with current proposals may lead to further instability due to the absence of other strategic options. Satellite imagery shows a buildup of Iranian oil tankers near Shahbahar outside the Persian Gulf. Tens of millions of barrels of oil are reportedly accumulating in the sea or in floating storage facilities. Tehran holds the United States responsible for threats to international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials and public discourse are shifting focus from negotiating a deal with the United States to preparing for potential US military threats. Approximately one billion dollars has been paid in the war so far. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that Iran will defeat a new US plan aimed at subduing the nation. Ghalibaf characterized the plan as a deceptive scheme. He predicted a decisive victory for the country in response to the perceived threat. The remarks come as the Iranian regime seeks the removal of the US naval blockade. An Iranian proposal has emerged that may allow for the resumption of nuclear program discussions with other powers. The proposal reportedly requires a clear and specific time limit and framework to be effective.

A series of strategic maneuvers has reportedly caused significant confusion within the Iranian decision-making apparatus. The tactical shifts have led to a state of mutual escalation, complicating diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement. This instability impacts the ability of both US and Iranian officials to achieve their long-term strategic objectives in the region. The Iranian government stated that decisions are made by consensus within the Supreme National Security Council. A correspondent in Tehran noted that the only path to consensus involves ensuring no individual is targeted or armed. The report also highlighted the influence of General Farhadi of the Revolutionary Guard, who reportedly dictates actions to politicians and diplomats. Economic pressures, including maritime blockades and a near-shutdown of the oil sector, are currently impacting the country.