Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a leading hardliner, admitted yesterday in a meeting with senior government officials that the rapid economic downturn has brought Iran to one of the most difficult periods in its history, according to the official IRNA news agency.
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and a veteran hardliner, acknowledged in a closed-door meeting with senior government officials that the country's rapid economic deterioration has brought Iran to "one of the most difficult periods in its history," according to the official IRNA news agency, as reported Sunday evening. The admission marks a rare explicit acknowledgment from the regime's highest security policymaking body of the depth of the crisis.
The acknowledgment comes as Iran's currency continues its freefall. As The Zioneer reported, the Iranian rial hit a record low of 2.7 million per dollar Saturday at 18:21 Jerusalem, and weakened an additional 4% by 18:36. That same evening, The Zioneer reported that the euro crossed 3 million rials for the first time. A parliamentary research center found that the cost of 11 basic goods surged 67% in eight months, and government food vouchers now cover only 26% of the basket — down from 44% at the start of the period. Iranian media report that households are dropping even basic items from their shopping, and families are leaving Tehran due to rent costs, according to reports cited by The Zioneer Saturday night.
Rezaei, who commanded the IRGC for 16 years and was appointed SNSC secretary in August 2026, has in recent months warned of a "crushing response" to Israeli operations. The economic strains he now concedes may limit the regime's room for maneuver. As The Zioneer reported in July, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that growing economic pressure and social dissatisfaction could undermine the regime.
What remains unclear is whether this economic frailty will moderate Iran's regional posture or harden determination to avoid appearing weak. So far, the crisis has not translated into mass protests but rather fatigue, reduction, and daily survival, according to reports.
4 developments
- StrongIranian media outlet profiles Mohsen Rezaei as 'most failed figure' in regime's power pyramid
- DevelopingSenior Iranian officials reportedly fear US restrictions will cause economic collapse
- DevelopingIranian parliament security spokesperson: 'Prepare to receive a severe blow from the Iranians'
- DevelopingIranian president warns economic pressure could erode public support for government
Source and signal
- Open-source intake