Photo: EPA
Rather than bringing down Iran’s ruling regime, the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, has pushed millions of ordinary Iranians deeper into poverty while strengthening the government’s grip on power. After nearly 90 days of a nationwide internet blackout and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, the country is facing severe economic and humanitarian hardship, according to The Guardian.
Mass anti-government protests that began in late December 2025 were met with a harsh crackdown. Human rights groups report that thousands of demonstrators were killed and more than 50,000 people were arrested. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says at least 226 people have been executed since the start of the year, including many young protesters accused of espionage. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO) reports that repression continues to intensify.
Instead of weakening, the authorities have expanded security measures and stepped up efforts to prepare civilians for the possibility of renewed fighting. Military-style training camps have been established in Tehran, where civilians are taught how to use firearms, while state television has aired footage of weapons training involving minors.
Human rights advocates have expressed concern over reports that children and teenagers are being involved in checkpoint duties, warning that the government is attempting to normalize war and militarization among younger generations.
The economic consequences have been equally severe. The prolonged internet shutdown has crippled much of Iran’s private sector, leaving thousands of entrepreneurs without income. Prices for food, medicine, and other essential goods have surged, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for many families.
Airstrikes carried out during the conflict reportedly damaged not only military targets but also civilian facilities, including schools, universities, hospitals, research centers, petrochemical plants, businesses, and residential areas. The destruction has left many people unemployed and struggling to rebuild their lives.
Personal tragedies have become common. Tehran resident Hamed Mirzaei told local media that he lost 12 family members — including his parents, wife, cousins, and children — when an airstrike destroyed their home.
Many Iranians who once viewed foreign military intervention as a potential path to political change have reportedly become disillusioned. As economic conditions deteriorate and political repression intensifies, survival has become the primary concern for much of the population.
The report comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to weigh a potential agreement with Iran. Trump has insisted that Tehran must permanently abandon any ambition to develop nuclear weapons, while also warning that the United States could resume military action if negotiations fail.
