Iranians Stockpile Goods Amid Fears of New War with Israel, US

Amid fears of renewed conflict with Israel and the United States, Tehran residents are stocking up on essential goods, including food and medicine, with some considering leaving the capital. The Associated Press reported that residents are concerned about a potential military confrontation and are preparing for a possible deterioration of the situation. Some individuals, like 35-year-old Parshat Hajipour, have already begun purchasing over-the-counter medications and food items. Others, such as 45-year-old fitness trainer Hashem Vadjani, are planning to relocate to safer areas in northern Iran, having packed belongings and bought extra canned goods, crackers, and blankets.

The public's anxiety is heightened by the lingering damage from previous Israeli and American strikes, which have left buildings in the capital still damaged and thousands of homes destroyed or severely impacted. Increased attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran's threats to target infrastructure, including undersea communication cables, are also contributing to the unease. The AP noted that registered attacks on merchant vessels in the strait reached a peak in October, the highest since the initial weeks of the war.

Adding to the concerns, 39-year-old Mohamed Abdi has increased his family's food reserves, purchasing more rice, vegetable oil, and dried dates despite rapidly rising prices. He fears further instability and potential shortages of goods. This is compounded by Iran's severe economic challenges, including a US maritime blockade limiting oil exports and exacerbating economic pressure. While a widespread deficit in food and essential goods has not yet been recorded, there is already a shortage of medicines.

Since the start of the conflict, the price of rice in Iran has surged by over 60%, and beef by more than 150%. For some, like 36-year-old Mohammad Mohammadi, a single grocery trip can consume half his monthly income of approximately $150. The declining national currency and high inflation are significantly reducing purchasing power, making it difficult for even middle-income families to afford necessities.

These economic hardships are fueling calls for an agreement with Washington. Mohsen Hashemi Rafsanjani, writing in the Iranian newspaper "Sazandegi," warned that rising currency exchange rates complicate national management. However, Sasan Karimi, a former senior government official and professor at Tehran University, believes economic pressure alone is unlikely to alter the Iranian leadership's negotiating stance with the US. Consequently, Iranians face a dual threat of escalating conflict and economic instability, leading some to stockpile goods and others to consider leaving Tehran.