Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has acknowledged the severe impact of US sanctions on the nation’s economy. He stated the sanctions are causing significant hardship and contributing to a substantial budget deficit. To address this deficit, the government is planning to increase gasoline prices. This move is expected to generate revenue but could also spark public discontent, given past protests over fuel price increases. The admission marks a rare public acknowledgment of the sanctions’ effectiveness by Iranian leadership. The price hike is presented as a necessary measure to stabilize the economy and fund essential government programs. This development underscores the ongoing economic pressure faced by Iran amid stalled nuclear negotiations and international isolation.