US ‘economic asphyxiation’ of Iran sends Tehranites queuing for petrol

Long queues formed at petrol stations in Tehran on Tuesday after the United States announced fresh sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran into submission.

Washington has turned to pulling economic levers six months into a war on Iran that has ground to a stalemate militarily, with peace talks stalled and most traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz blocked.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday laid out plans for the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, saying the “objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime”.

Though Iran’s leaders have shrugged off the tough talk, having already endured sanctions for decades, some residents of the capital feared that they would feel the pinch.

“Naturally, sanctions affect people’s lives. People are being hurt, both those who are financially well-off and those who are financially weak,” said property agent Mehdi Yazdian, 55, who urged the authorities to control prices.

“Yes, these sanctions are having an effect, but naturally, our people are resilient. These sanctions have been in place for 47 years.”