
Banking outages hit Iran as prices soar and families struggle to survive
Iran experienced widespread disruptions to bank card services across major lenders, with failed payments, blocked transfers and issuer errors seen at ATMs and POS devices. This financial strain comes amid soaring inflation that has sent prices for staples like milk, oils, eggs and meat into double digits, forcing households to rely on cheaper foods and cut meals. Many families report surviving on basic staples like potatoes, onions, bread and cheese, while teenagers describe shrinking opportunities and growing anxiety about the future. The report also notes broader concerns about militarization, including the continued use of minors in security activities.