What happened
In Iran, the middle class is facing a severe economic crisis due to high inflation, which is eroding the purchasing power of working families. Despite being employed, many individuals, including teachers, office workers, and merchants, are struggling to make ends meet as their earnings no longer cover the cost of living.
The Iranian currency, the rial, has plummeted to an all-time low, further reducing household purchasing power and savings. Food prices have skyrocketed, with vegetable oil prices rising by 431% and egg prices by 342% in a year. Bread prices have increased by roughly 140% over the past 12 months.
The economic crisis is affecting not only minimum-wage earners but also those with higher incomes. Housing costs are also a significant burden, with some working couples spending up to 70% of their combined income on rent. As a result, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities like food, medical care, and education.
Estimates suggest that 30% of the middle class has fallen below the poverty line over the past two decades. The economic hardship is leading to widespread discontent, with many Iranians feeling that the existing order offers no credible path to security. Organized opposition groups, such as the Mojahedin-e-Khalq's Resistance Units, are taking advantage of the situation to step up their activities and challenge the authorities' hold on society.
