Iran Warns of Economic Pressure as Vice President Calls for Action Against Inflation

Tehran, August 17, 2026; Iran has warned that growing economic pressure could become a new front of confrontation, with First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref accusing the United States and Israel of attempting to exploit financial difficulties and rising prices to create public unrest.

Speaking at a meeting of Iran’s Market Regulation Headquarters, Aref said the government must prepare for intensified economic pressure while protecting the country’s national interests and recent strategic gains.

According to Iranian media reports, Aref argued that adversaries could seek to use economic measures to counter what Tehran describes as setbacks during recent military confrontations. He urged government institutions to respond through coordinated economic planning rather than allowing political differences to interfere with national priorities.

Aref also placed strong emphasis on controlling prices inside Iran. He directed regulatory and inspection agencies to take firm action against excessive pricing, market manipulation and stockpiling of essential goods.

The Iranian vice president acknowledged growing public concern over the cost of living, saying that stabilising prices and protecting purchasing power must remain central to the government’s economic agenda. He identified inflation control, market stability and access to basic necessities for vulnerable sections of society as key priorities for the next two years.

Aref further warned that economic difficulties could have wider social consequences if left unchecked. He called for contingency planning to deal with potential pressure on both the economic and social fronts while maintaining public confidence.

He said Iran could withstand external economic pressure by strengthening domestic unity and cooperation, arguing that national cohesion would be crucial if the country faced a prolonged economic confrontation.

The remarks come amid wider claims from Iranian leaders that Tehran emerged stronger from the recent conflict. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf has separately described Iran’s performance during the confrontation with the United States and Israel as a military and political success.

Ghalibaf also highlighted an understanding reached between Tehran and Washington, portraying it as an important diplomatic achievement for Iran.

The Iranian leadership’s latest statements indicate that Tehran is preparing for the possibility of continued pressure through sanctions, market disruption and economic uncertainty, while making inflation and household purchasing power key areas of government attention.