Iran Faces Massive Job Losses Amid War with US and Israel
Iran is experiencing a significant wave of job losses linked to its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
Deputy Work and Social Security Minister Gholamhossein Mohammadi reported that two million people have lost their jobs as a direct or indirect consequence of the war.
The redundancies affect a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, retail, import and export businesses, tourism, and the digital industry.
Factories have been hit by air strikes, and consumer spending has declined sharply, impacting restaurants and non-grocery retailers.
The Iranian government has also imposed an internet blackout since the conflict began, citing security concerns such as preventing surveillance, espionage, and cyber-attacks.
This shutdown has further damaged the digital sector, which had been relatively thriving before the war.
The internet blackout has had a particularly adverse effect on female earners, many of whom relied on online platforms to sell products.
Official data shows that only one in nine working-age women were employed before the war, and the shutdown has reduced their income opportunities.
Public sentiment reflects the economic downturn, with social media users noting emptier public transport, less traffic congestion, and reduced activity in commercial areas.
