Long lines formed at gas stations in Tehran on Tuesday after the United States announced new sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran into submission. Washington has resorted to pulling economic levers six months into a war with Iran that has reached a military stalemate, with peace talks stalled and most traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz blocked. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday laid out plans for the “economic suffocation” of Iran, saying that “the goal is to cut off the entire lifeline holding up this tyrannical regime.” Although Iran’s leaders have shrugged off the harsh words, having endured sanctions for decades, some residents of the capital feared they would feel the impact. “Naturally, sanctions affect people’s lives,” real estate agent Mehdi Yazdian, 55, told AFP news agency, urging authorities to control prices. “People are being hurt, both those who are financially well-off and those who are financially weak.” “Yes, these sanctions are having an effect,” he said. “But naturally our people are resilient. These sanctions have been in place for 47 years.” “Personally, I am not afraid of war at all because this is our land,” said English teacher Kia Farahani, 45. “But I think this war will be cheaper and will make people feel a lot of pressure, and now maybe there will be protests again.” Iran’s national police chief said on Monday that the United States was “seeking to create unrest in one part of the country or the entire country,” imposing additional economic pain.CBS/AFP
