
Iran's economy buckles under war, inflation and sanctions
Iran's economy faces severe contraction and high inflation amid ongoing conflict, pushing millions into poverty and squeezing households and businesses.

Iran's economy faces severe contraction and high inflation amid ongoing conflict, pushing millions into poverty and squeezing households and businesses.

Iranians are grappling with severe economic hardship, including soaring inflation, currency depreciation, and unaffordable essentials, exacerbated by decades of structural issues, Western sanctions, and an ongoing conflict with the US and Israel that has damaged infrastructure and led to internet shutdowns and government censorship.

In Yemen's war-torn Taiz, Baleegh Al-Doba’ai and his wife Aziza defy traditional gender roles by co-managing Abu Sultan, a fast-food restaurant. Their partnership provides a stable livelihood and reflects a growing trend of women-led businesses transforming local economies amidst high male unemployment.

Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President's special envoy and RDIF CEO, stated that the EU's economic crisis is rooted in anti-Russian sanctions and uncontrolled immigration, claiming sanctions have cost EU countries over €3 trillion.

Cuba faces widespread power outages and an unrecoverable electricity system due to US sanctions and aging infrastructure. Economic hardship, rising crime, and internal political tensions, highlighted by a controversial interview with Raúl Castro's grandson, exacerbate the crisis as the US maintains pressure on the communist government.

Three weeks after a ceasefire, Iran and the US face a fragile truce with recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. While negotiations are expected to restart, Iran's economy is severely strained by mismanagement, sanctions, and war damage, with inflation soaring and GDP shrinking.
Cuba's national power grid collapsed Monday, plunging around 10 million people into darkness. The nationwide blackout exacerbates the island's ongoing energy crisis, marked by frequent outages due to aging infrastructure and fuel shortages, with the government blaming US sanctions.

Vietnam faces a foreign policy test as the US increases pressure on Cuba. Hanoi must decide how to support its 60-year ally without jeopardizing its crucial partnership with Washington, especially after the fall of Venezuela's support for Cuba.

Cuba has introduced 176 free-market reforms to combat a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by a US oil blockade. The measures, endorsed by the communist party, aim to reduce the state's economic role and attract investment across various sectors.
Manoj Bajpayee's financial thriller 'Governor', inspired by S. Venkitaramanan and the 1990 Indian economic crisis, earned Rs. 2.55 crore net in its opening weekend. The film, released June 12, 2026, saw a 27.8% growth on Saturday and is expected to build on word-of-mouth.

Residents of Kadirli, Osmaniye, are facing severe financial difficulties due to the rising cost of living and economic crisis. Pensioners and those relying on agricultural income report struggling to meet basic needs, with some resorting to selling milk in the market to supplement their insufficient pensions.

A summit on Germany's economic crisis revealed deep rifts between the government, employers, and unions. While all agree on the crisis, their diagnoses and proposed solutions diverge significantly on issues like labor costs, social contributions, and tax policy.

Romanian PM nominee Eugen Tomac aims to continue austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit, secure EU funding, and combat the rise of the far-right. He plans to focus on private sector growth, digital transformation, and energy projects, while ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency to regain market confidence.

Iran analysts debate a historic transition from theocracy to military rule, accelerated by war. The IRGC's economic power grows, and Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Supreme Leader signals a shift from religious to political calculation, despite economic crisis fueling protests.

Despite hosting an international economic forum, Russia faces a deepening economic crisis driven by war spending, Western sanctions, and declining foreign investment. Projections show sluggish growth, and sectors like oil and gas are experiencing supply issues.

Germany's coalition government faces deadlock over tax reform, mirroring Weimar Republic struggles. Disagreements over middle-class tax relief, subsidy cuts, and federal-state funding complicate efforts to address the economic crisis and bolster social funds.

Germany's coalition government faces deadlock over tax reform, mirroring Weimar Republic struggles. Disagreements over middle-class tax relief, subsidy cuts, and federal-state funding complicate efforts to boost the economy amid rising energy prices and economic slowdown.
Pakistan is spending an estimated $900,000 monthly on US lobbying efforts, totaling $10-12 million annually, according to FARA filings. This occurs as the nation faces economic challenges, a water crisis, rising fuel prices, and a heavy debt burden.
Pakistan is spending an estimated $900,000 monthly on US lobbying efforts, totaling $10-12 million annually, according to FARA filings. This occurs as the nation faces economic challenges, a water crisis, rising fuel prices, and a heavy debt burden, while its military leadership claims India sought US mediation during military tensions.

Gaziantep's Şahinbey Municipality spent 10,000 TL on a single flower bouquet via direct procurement, drawing criticism from citizens struggling with the economic crisis. Opposition voices decry the expenditure as wasteful and a double standard amid calls for public austerity.

China has delivered 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba, the first of several shipments totaling 60,000 tons, to help alleviate acute shortages. The aid arrives as Cuba faces severe blackouts and an economic crisis exacerbated by US sanctions.

Yemen's IDP camps, particularly Maryamah in Seiyun, face severe food insecurity and dire living conditions due to nearly 12 years of conflict, funding cuts, and economic collapse. Families struggle for basic necessities, with many going hungry.

La Paz, Bolivia is experiencing escalating tensions as protests, including dynamite detonations, block highways and storm public buildings. Economic struggles, fueled by currency shortages and inflation, have led to shortages and bank closures. The US State Department calls it an 'attempted coup.' President Paz faces calls for resignation amid calls for dialogue.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuba on Thursday that the US is focused on changing its communist system, following an indictment of former president Raúl Castro. Rubio called Cuba a "failed state" amid an economic crisis and pointed to Russian and Chinese presence as a national security threat.