Iran's rial currency falls to record low amid US blockade and ongoing regional tensions

Iran's rial hit a record low of 1.8 million to the US dollar on Wednesday as a US naval blockade and sanctions continue to pressure the economy. The currency decline follows a ceasefire that began three weeks prior between Iran and US-Israeli forces, with the blockade persisting despite the pause in active fighting. Experts warn the currency collapse will accelerate inflation and deepen economic hardship for Iranian households dependent on imports.