Medicine shortages grow in Iran as US tightens sanctions, blockade

What the report says

Medicine shortages are worsening across Iran as pressure from U.S. sanctions, a naval blockade and the broader fallout from the Iran-Israel war strain the country’s pharmaceutical system, according to Al Jazeera. The report, published from Tehran on September 9, 2026, says many patients are struggling to find or pay for essential drugs, including treatments for cancer, epilepsy, diabetes and other chronic conditions. One Tehran resident described switching to an Iranian-made autoimmune medicine because imported versions were becoming harder to obtain and more expensive.

Al Jazeera reported that about 800 pharmaceutical products are now in short supply nationwide, including 90 medicines considered essential or life-saving. Prices have also risen sharply for common drugs and insulin, while inflation continues to push up the cost of basic goods. The article says Iran has long tried to build domestic drug production, but still depends on imports for some ingredients, equipment and specialized medicines. It also notes that sanctions have complicated financing and logistics for medical imports, despite formal humanitarian exemptions.

The piece highlights damage from the war, saying dozens of pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies were hit, including Tofigh Daru, whose facilities and research systems were reportedly damaged by air strikes. Company representatives told Al Jazeera that rebuilding would take years and significant funding. Iranian officials, however, have publicly downplayed the crisis, saying the sector will not collapse and that the country is facing fewer shortages than last year. Doctors quoted in the article warned that persistent shortages and delayed vaccine imports could threaten public health, especially for vulnerable groups.