Iranians Worry Trump’s Return May Bring Economic Pain and Increased Tensions

Tags: #IranUSRelations #TrumpVictory #MiddleEastTensions #IranSanctions #NuclearDeal

Concerns Rise as Trump’s Return Looms

With Donald Trump poised for a return to the White House, anxiety grows in Iran over the potential resumption of his “maximum pressure” policy. Trump’s previous term saw the implementation of severe sanctions and the US withdrawal from a nuclear deal that had initially provided Iran with some economic relief. For Iranians, this history casts doubt on prospects for improved relations.

Economic Concerns and Sanctions

During Trump’s first term, the US exited the nuclear deal, reinstating sanctions that heavily impacted the Iranian economy. The depreciation of the rial and escalating inflation left Iranians struggling with high costs of goods. As news of Trump’s victory spread, 37-year-old Bashir Abbaspour voiced common fears: “The sanctions will increase, and with that, so will the prices.” Many in Iran are bracing for similar economic challenges under Trump’s renewed leadership.

Iranian Officials’ Reactions

Iranian officials have downplayed the impact of the US election outcome on their relationship with Washington. The conservative newspaper Jam-e Jam echoed this sentiment, featuring images of Trump and Harris under the headline, “The result of the US elections will make no difference for us.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that Iran-US relations remain unchanged regardless of which party holds office.

Mounting Regional Tensions

Trump’s previous tenure saw tensions escalate between Iran and the US. In 2020, the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, in a US airstrike led to Iranian retaliatory strikes on American bases in Iraq. Amid recent regional instability, especially following the Gaza conflict in 2023, indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US have also stalled, according to Araghchi.

Widespread Public Uncertainty

Iranian citizens remain deeply concerned about the impact of renewed US pressure on their daily lives. Zahra Eghbali, a 56-year-old resident of Tehran, expressed worries shared by many, saying, “People are under pressure…both sides should come to an agreement that benefits the people.” With a turbulent past between the nations and Trump’s return on the horizon, Iranians are left hoping for a path to economic stability and reduced tensions.