Iran’s economy is collapsing. Trump’s plan is working.

Deepening poverty, rising household debt, rampant inflation, and hidden unemployment. Iran’s economy is showing signs of a deepening crisis on multiple fronts—and even state-aligned media is starting to report it. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump made clear that inflicting economic pain on Iran is a deliberate part of Washington’s strategy. “We …” he said, in remarks that signaled a continued reliance on sanctions and financial pressure. The strategy depends on making life harder for ordinary Iranians, and the latest indicators suggest the pressure is mounting. Official outlets, which rarely highlight economic distress, have begun acknowledging the severity of the situation. With household debt climbing and purchasing power eroding, the gap between political goals and daily reality is narrowing. For now, the pain is not just expected—it is the policy.