"We Can't Afford a Pen": Iranians Describe Life on the Brink of War

A student who can barely afford a ballpoint pen. A programmer for whom three meals a day is a luxury. A lawyer with no clients. These are the voices of ordinary Iranians, who spoke to SPIEGEL about what daily life is really like as their country faces the threat of war. In Iran, the economy is collapsing under the weight of international sanctions and the constant fear of military conflict. For most citizens, survival is no longer about politics—it is about finding enough money to eat. One student told SPIEGEL that even basic school supplies have become unattainable. "I can't afford a pen," she said. The cost of everyday items has skyrocketed, while the value of the national currency continues to plummet. A software programmer described his situation in stark terms. "Eating three meals a day is a luxury," he explained. Despite having a skilled profession, his salary no longer covers basic needs. He has cut back to two meals, and sometimes only one. Meanwhile, a lawyer in Tehran says his practice has dried up completely. With the economy in freefall, few people have the money to pursue legal disputes. He now spends most days at home, waiting for work that never comes. These stories paint a picture of a nation in survival mode. The threat of war looms, but for many Iranians, the daily struggle for food and shelter is the more immediate crisis. They are not talking about politics or military strategy—they are talking about how to get through the day.