Title: UN Reinstates Sanctions on Iran Amid Economic Struggles

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Nations reinstated sanctions on Iran early Sunday, intensifying pressure on the country amid ongoing economic challenges. The sanctions took effect at midnight GMT (8 p.m. Eastern) after last-minute diplomatic efforts failed. These measures will freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals, and penalize any development of Iran's ballistic missile program.

The sanctions were enacted through a mechanism known as "snapback," which is part of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. This comes as Iran's economy is already under strain, with the rial currency at a record low, leading to soaring food prices. Basic staples such as meat and rice have become increasingly unaffordable for many families.

Concerns are also rising about potential renewed conflict between Iran and Israel, as well as the United States, following missile sites that were damaged during a recent 12-day war appearing to be rebuilt. Activists warn of escalating repression within Iran, where executions have reportedly reached levels not seen in decades.

Sina, a father of a 12-year-old boy, expressed the dire situation, stating, "For as long as I can remember, we’ve been struggling with economic hardship, and every year it’s worse than the last. For my generation, it’s always either too late or too early — our dreams are slipping away."

The snapback mechanism was designed to be immune to vetoes from China and Russia, which have previously blocked other actions against Tehran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the sanctions as a "trap" for Iran. The sanctions were triggered by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom after Iran restricted monitoring of its nuclear program and stalled negotiations with the U.S.

Iran has further reduced its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the June conflict, which also involved U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The country currently possesses a stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, despite Western claims of a past weapons program. Iranian officials argue that the European nations should not have implemented the snapback sanctions, citing the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 as a significant factor.

In response to the sanctions, Iranian lawmakers are considering a potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Lawmaker Ismail Kowsari indicated that Parliament would discuss this issue, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned of serious repercussions for any country acting against Iran based on the sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended the European nations for their actions, stating, "President Trump has been clear that diplomacy is still an option — a deal remains the best outcome for the Iranian people and the world. For that to happen, Iran must accept direct talks."

The economic fallout from the June conflict has exacerbated food prices, with overall annual inflation reported at 34.5% in June. Essential food items have seen price increases of over 50%. For instance, the price of pinto beans has tripled, while butter has nearly doubled. Many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, leading to increased psychological distress among the population.

Dr. Sima Ferdowsi, a clinical psychologist, noted that the combination of inflation and the recent conflict has left society feeling exhausted and unmotivated. She warned that continued economic hardship could lead to severe social consequences.

Iran has experienced multiple protests in recent years, driven by economic grievances and demands for social change. The most recent protests erupted in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody. In response to civil unrest, Iran has intensified its crackdown on dissent, with a significant rise in executions reported this year.

The situation remains fluid as Iran contemplates its next steps in response to the reimposed sanctions and the ongoing economic crisis.