Iran is ‘bleeding badly’: Trump bets economic pain will force Tehran to surrender

U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying economic pressure on Iran, aiming to force the regime to compromise rather than pursuing military action. Trump stated, "Economically, they're in chaos," citing 300% inflation and a near-worthless currency. Iran's economy is severely struggling due to U.S. sanctions, economic mismanagement, and the recent naval blockade, which is estimated to cost Iran $435 million daily. The rial has hit a record low against the dollar, and the "misery index" (inflation and unemployment) reached a record 91.1 in the spring.

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that the economic crisis could trigger "social instability" and declared the economy the country's "main battlefield."
• The International Monetary Fund projects Iran's economy to contract by 5.6% this year.
• Many Iranians are struggling to afford basic necessities, relying on credit apps, with a significant portion of their salaries going to rent and debt repayments.
• Labor organizations accuse the government of neglecting workers, with one union head stating, "Iranian workers...have been forgotten and left helpless at the mercy of fate."