The state-run Hamdeli daily reported on Jan 2 that the cost of the workers’ food basket is soaring. “The cost of workers’ food baskets has reached 115 million rials per month. Due to their living conditions, most workers cannot afford these expenses.”

“Inflation has crossed 45 percent, but wages are the same as they were earlier this year,” Hamdeli daily wrote. Iranian workers’ minimum salary is 25 million rials, equivalent to $84 per month, based on current free-market rates.

Meanwhile, the regime squanders billions of dollars on its malign activities.