Seven years after ‘Bloody November,’ Iran rations gasoline it dares not reprice

Key Points:

• Kayhan, a hardline Iranian newspaper, criticized government officials for exaggerating economic and social problems, urging them to stop spreading fear and maintain national morale amid inflation and shortages.
• Iran faces severe economic challenges, including nearly 89% inflation, a collapsing rial, widespread poverty affecting millions, and a shrinking economy expected to contract by 7.6% in 2026 due to war and sanctions.
• Iranian oil production has dropped 46% since the war began, with US naval blockades halting crude exports and complicating refinery operations, while other Gulf producers have increased output.
• Iraq, under US pressure, has restricted land crossings and air travel with Iran, affecting trade and diplomatic relations; Baghdad is also mediating between Tehran and Washington amid concerns over potential US military use of Iraqi territory.
• Economic hardship has driven many Iranians to sell organs via Telegram channels, with kidneys most frequently offered, as financial desperation grows; prices for organs have skyrocketed, though transactions and medical viability remain uncertain.