Iranian labor press challenges official unemployment counts amid war-driven downturn

Iran’s ILNA, a labor-focused news outlet, challenges official attempts to downplay war-related job losses, arguing that unemployment is far higher than government figures suggest. While officials have cited figures from roughly 100,000 up to 1–2 million affected when indirect effects are counted, labor advocates say hundreds of thousands remain uncounted and that the crisis is hitting steel and petrochemical sectors, with layoffs spreading through the supply chain. The downturn coincides with rising prices, a devalued rial, and wages that struggle to cover a basic living basket, fueling food insecurity. Platforms like Achareh have seen surging registrations as workers seek first jobs or new opportunities, underscoring a labor market in shock and prompting calls for policy action to protect livelihoods.