
Economy
1 min read
How oil, gas losses have shrunk Iran’s GDP by 10 percent during war
Al Jazeera EnglishSep 21, 2026
Iran's economy has faced significant challenges due to the ongoing US-Israel war, with the oil and gas sector experiencing a dramatic contraction. Recent data indicates that Iran's GDP shrank by 10.1 percent year-on-year, primarily driven by a 26.4 percent decline in the energy sector. The economic downturn is exacerbated by high inflation, a weakening currency, and disruptions in trade, leading to a broader impact on various industries.
The Iranian government has reported that the economic situation is dire, with inflation reaching 69.9 percent and unemployment climbing to 9.1 percent. The US naval blockade has severely restricted Iran's ability to export oil, a crucial source of foreign currency, resulting in a significant drop in crude oil loadings. Additionally, trade has fallen by 25 to 35 percent, further straining the economy.
Iran's leadership has linked the resolution of the conflict to economic relief, emphasizing the need for the release of frozen funds and an end to the blockade. As the situation evolves, the Iranian economy continues to face immense pressure, raising concerns about its ability to recover amidst ongoing hostilities and international sanctions.