{"id":336953,"date":"2025-09-14T18:21:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T17:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=336953"},"modified":"2025-09-14T18:21:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T17:21:51","slug":"irans-middle-class-youth-forced-into-poverty-amid-economic-collapse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/society\/irans-middle-class-youth-forced-into-poverty-amid-economic-collapse\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran\u2019s Middle-Class Youth Forced into Poverty Amid Economic Collapse"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Iran\u2019s
Iran\u2019s middle-class youth now face shrinking opportunities, chronic anxiety, and declining quality of life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Four-minute read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

According to a report published<\/a> by the state-run daily Shargh<\/em> on September 13, 2025, the financial collapse of Iran\u2019s middle class is accelerating. Educated young people, many with multiple jobs, say they are slipping into poverty despite working harder than ever. Once able to enjoy modest prosperity\u2014including travel, leisure, and small savings\u2014they now describe themselves as \u201cpoor middle class,\u201d trapped in a cycle of shrinking opportunities and mounting anxiety.<\/p>\n

The Vanishing Middle Class<\/h2>\n

The testimonies collected by Shargh<\/em> paint a stark picture of decline. A young woman working at a private company reflected on how her life has changed in only a few years: \u201cWhen I compare myself to four years ago, everything is different. I used to go to restaurants several times a week, but now maybe once a month\u2014and even then, it feels too expensive. I always bought good skincare products, but today I can\u2019t even afford lower-quality ones. My salary has risen from five to thirty million tomans, but my pocket is emptier than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her story reflects a broader trend. A young bookseller in Tehran, who recently married, described how even the most basic joys have become out of reach: \u201cWe thought we could at least afford a honeymoon trip. We saved gifts from our wedding, but the costs kept rising. Now, even a short trip to Turkey is impossible. Both of us work two jobs, but every day is just about survival. We are stuck in the same place.\u201d<\/p>\n

A newlywed couple expressed the same frustrations. Despite both working full-time, they admitted: \u201cWe don\u2019t understand how our salaries disappear so fast. We used to enjoy eating out, but that\u2019s gone. Even a short trip to Kish Island left us broke for the rest of the month. Now our shopping basket has shrunk to only necessities\u2014snacks, coffee, and anything imported are gone. The simplest needs of daily life have become worries.\u201d<\/p>\n

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#Iran<\/a>'s Perfect Storm: Regime Corruption Dries Up Dams, Shuts Down Power, and Empties Dinner Tableshttps:\/\/t.co\/aBtECx8pjV<\/a><\/p>\n

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n