Iran’s President Warns: Without a Cease-Fire, the Economy Could Collapse in 3-4 Weeks

Sharp tensions are building at the top of Iran’s leadership as the fighting drags on and its economic fallout deepens. According to a report published today (Sunday) by the opposition channel "Iran International", Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian sharply criticized the conduct of the Revolutionary Guards and warned that without a cease-fire, the Iranian economy could collapse within three to four weeks.

According to the report, deep disagreements have emerged between Pezeshkian and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi. The dispute centers on how the war is being managed and its direct impact on the local economy and on citizens’ livelihoods. Sources who spoke with the channel said the president opposed the Guards’ escalation, particularly strikes on neighboring countries, which he said are causing severe economic consequences.

Amid the leadership clash, evidence of significant damage to Iran’s economy is also mounting. An Iranian official acknowledged in a conversation with the "New York Times" that strikes targeting steel plants have severely harmed the local economy and could delay the country’s recovery after the war ends. He said these plants supply essential raw materials for infrastructure, including roads and buildings.

According to the "New York Times", it is not clear whether the plants directly served the military, but the United States says one of them is linked to a network that supports Basij forces. Industry sources added that these are highly secured facilities, with tight oversight of workers and suppliers.

The effects of the fighting are clearly visible on the ground as well. In major cities, there have been reports of cash shortages at ATMs and significant disruptions to online banking services. At the same time, civil servants say their salaries have not been paid regularly over the past three months. It also emerges that even before the war broke out, inflation on basic goods stood at an unusually high triple-digit rate of 105% to 115%.