World Business Report Ban on business with Iran: how will it affect Iranians?
Jan 13, 2026
Hashair Jonhadi, a BBC Persian reporter, provides critical insights into the dire effects of US sanctions on Iran, detailing rising food prices and public unrest. Indian businessman Rudra Chatterjee shares the tea export industry's concerns about the implications of sudden tariff changes and the need for stable trade policies. Senior market analyst Fiona Sincotta discusses US inflation data, its impacts on Federal Reserve policy, and the surprisingly resilient global economic outlook according to the World Bank.
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Tariffs Aim To Intensify Economic Pressure
- Hashair Jonhadi explains new 25% tariffs aim to squeeze Iran's economy and its trade partners to increase pressure on the regime.
- This move risks reducing imports to Iran and pushing food prices even higher for ordinary citizens.
Economic Strain Is Driving Protests
- Hashair Jonhadi notes Iran already faces severe sanctions, collapsing currency and official inflation near 40% while grocery prices rise 60–70%.
- Further trade restrictions will likely deepen shortages and reduce shopkeepers' revenues, fueling public anger and protests.
Shopkeepers Sparked The December Protests
- Hashair Jonhadi recounts that the December protests began with Tehran shopkeepers unable to sell non-essential goods and lacking money to restock.
- He says the rial collapsed 25% in December, sharply reducing ordinary people's buying power.