Iranians face soaring prices for medicine as the US blockade and sanctions hit hard

Medication prices in Iran are surging and some treatments are becoming difficult to find as a U.S. blockade and stepped-up sanctions squeeze the country’s pharmaceutical industry. The report says several medicines have more than tripled in price, and families are scrambling to complete prescriptions—months into heightened conflict involving the U.S. and Israel. While Iran produces over 80% of medicines domestically, many depend on imported raw materials. The blockade has cut off sea shipping, pushing importers toward costlier air routes, which may be further disrupted by sanctions on some Iranian airlines. Financial sanctions can also block payments when banks and companies avoid risk. Hospitals reportedly face fewer shortages than pharmacies.