Iran is facing mounting economic pressure from US sanctions and a naval blockade, according to a report published on August 21, 2026. Rising food prices and difficulties obtaining foreign currency have increased public concern, while Tehran is pursuing a new strategy to resist Washington’s pressure.

Ali Akbar Dareini, a researcher at Tehran’s Center for Strategic Studies, said the measures may hurt Iran but are unlikely to force its surrender. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he said Washington’s strategy is based on increasing economic damage until Tehran makes concessions. Iran, he said, is responding through a combination of military and civilian measures.

Dareini cited pressure around the Strait of Hormuz and support for allied groups across the Middle East as elements of Iran’s response. He described Iran’s approach as asymmetric warfare, arguing that Tehran cannot directly confront the United States in conventional military strength. He said the conflict has already expanded beyond Iran and the Persian Gulf to the Levant and Red Sea, and warned that its geographic scope could widen further.