US Sanctions Cost Iran Economy $435 Million Daily

An analysis suggests that Iran's economy is incurring average daily losses of $435 million (approximately 600 billion Korean won) due to U.S. government economic sanctions. This figure represents a significant burden on the Iranian economy.

Iranian expert Miad Maleki stated that the current situation has reached its highest level of economic pressure against Iran since 1979. He explained that the current pressure is a turning point because sanctions, a U.S. naval blockade, and intensified enforcement are being applied simultaneously for the first time in years. Maleki, a former U.S. Treasury sanctions expert, explained that economic, political, and diplomatic leverage are now acting in concert, giving the U.S. unprecedented influence over Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted that the United States has full control of the Strait of Hormuz until Iran agrees to a deal. Maleki estimates that Iran's oil reserves could be depleted within two to three weeks, which could force a reduction in production. Disruptions to gasoline supply, which relies heavily on imports, could also occur around the same time.

Combined with these circumstances and the daily economic losses of $435 million, if the pressure spreads throughout the financial system, the Iranian regime could face difficulties in paying salaries and an increased risk of social unrest. Maleki diagnosed the Iranian economy as being on the verge of collapse due to years of sanctions and geopolitical instability. He cited figures such as triple-digit food price increases, a sharp decline in currency value, and a 90% collapse in purchasing power.

At the core of the economic pressure is the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that this is akin to economic self-harm, given the Iranian economy's high dependence on the strait. If the current standoff between the U.S. and Iran continues, supply chain instability in energy markets, particularly among Asian countries, could intensify.