DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Even as Iran projects resilience in the war with the United States, its leaders are worried that a threat of more economic punishment by Donald Trump could increase hardships, reignite unrest, and further erode the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy.

The US president vowed on Friday to hit Iran hard economically, a day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would impose measures on Tehran that have “never been seen” as early as next week. Washington has not said what those measures will entail.

For all the bravado of Iran’s leaders after holding out in nearly six months of conflict, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil supply route, they face mounting pressure at home that could result in nationwide unrest, according to three Iranian officials.

The officials, two political insiders, a former Iranian official, and a dozen ordinary Iranians spoke to Reuters for this story on condition of anonymity, either for fear of retribution or because they are not authorized to speak to media.

Iran entered the war with high inflation, a weakening currency, energy shortages, sanctions, and deep structural weaknesses, and must now contend with damaged infrastructure, disrupted trade, lost production, and the cost of rebuilding.

Arshia, a civil engineer, spent a decade working in Iran’s construction industry before the war that began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28 brought projects largely to a standstill.

He is now struggling to find work as projects are delayed or cancelled and costs soar, with little prospect of a rapid recovery.

“I’m worried. If Trump imposes more sanctions, how will ordinary people survive? I don’t want my country to be punished militarily or economically. We’re already struggling,” said the father of two from the central city of Isfahan.

His plight reflects a broader reality across Iran, where US and Israeli strikes damaged factories, power plants, transport networks, and other critical infrastructure, adding to pressure on an already strained economy.

Mohsen, 53, was forced to shut his small........

© The Times of Israel