Iran emphasises self-sufficiency in battle against US economic war

What the report says

Iranian officials are projecting confidence that the country can absorb a new round of US sanctions, even as they warn that the economy faces a difficult year ahead, according to Al Jazeera. The report, published from Tehran on 26 August 2026, says the government is leaning on domestic production, stockpiles and long-standing policies of self-sufficiency as the war with the United States deepens economic pressure.

Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said on state television that Iran has experience bypassing sanctions and is working from a two-year plan. Central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati told business leaders that oil exports, a major source of foreign currency, have nearly stopped, but said reserves for essential imports remain available. Government spokesman Fatemeh Mohajerani said people should not expect conditions to improve soon. The article also notes the rial hit a record low on the open market this week.

The piece says Tehran is pushing households and industry to rely more on local production, including food and medicine. Officials say Iran produces most of its own agricultural and pharmaceutical goods, though the report points to continued dependence on imports for staples such as wheat, rice and vegetable oils, as well as shortages and price increases. Food inflation, power cuts, fuel queues and damage to energy infrastructure are described as signs that the war and sanctions are tightening pressure on daily life.

Al Jazeera’s report frames Iran’s response as a mix of resilience and strain, with officials insisting the system can endure while economists warn that prolonged hardship and rising costs could make the situation more fragile.