Day: August 28, 2026

The lack of trade during the war has also led to shortages in foreign currency and basic goods, causing hyperinflation, all of which have reduced Iranians’ purchasing power and deteriorated Iran’s economic conditions.Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar)NEW: The Iranian officials currently dominating regime decision-making appear to retain their anti-concessions stance vis-à-vis the United States despite compounding US economic pressure and a worsening domestic fuel crisis. Western media has recently reported long lines at gas stations and gas station closures as a result of fuel shortages across Iran.

Other Key Takeaways:

Key decision-makers in Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s inner circle continue to threaten to respond to US economic pressure and do not appear to have softened their position on core regime demands.

Some senior Pezeshkian administration officials are trying to downplay the situation and reassure the public, likely to try to mitigate the risk of social unrest during this economic crisis.

The Iranian regime appears to be considering several courses of action to address the fuel crisis, including potentially raising gasoline prices. Raising fuel prices has previously caused widespread protests in Iran.

Some peripheral elements of the Iranian regime are more openly advocating for the development of nuclear weapons.

These parliamentarians and commentators’ support for nuclear weapons development reflects a public debate over how Iran should restore deterrence after the recent US-Israel-Iran War, similar to debates that followed the June 2025 Israel-Iran War.

The recent public discussions about nuclear weapons among peripheral elements of the regime may reflect decreased control over the information space by the Supreme Leader, as opposed to an actual increase in discussions about nuclear weapons.—  https://x.com/TheStudyofWar/status/2093119689475965327