What is the story about?
As the war between Iran and the United States (US) enters its sixth month, many Iranian families are taking desperate measures to earn extra money. From
selling natural hair and used perfume bottles to renting out laptops, people are trying every possible way to cope with rising living costs. According to Iranian news agency ILNA, a "survival economy" is taking shape as households turn even low-value personal belongings into cash.
Every Penny Counts
ILNA reported that online classified platforms are seeing a surge in listings for second-hand clothes, work shoes, used perfume bottles and even natural hair.
Natural hair has become a valuable item, with people selling it for use in hair extensions. Depending on its length, colour and quality, the hair can fetch several thousand Iranian rials.
Used perfume bottles, which would normally be discarded, are also finding buyers. According to ILNA, some sellers are bundling several low-value household items into a single listing in the hope of attracting customers.
People are also renting out laptops for office work or online classes instead of buying new ones. For many families, a laptop has become something to use only when needed and return afterwards, helping them avoid a large upfront expense.
For households already struggling with soaring prices, every extra rial has become important.
Inflation Pushes Families to the Brink
According to ILNA, citing Iran's Statistical Center, annual inflation reached 66 per cent in the Iranian month ending in late July, while year-on-year inflation stood at 87.9 per cent.
The figures suggest that rising prices are affecting everyday household decisions, not just discretionary spending.
Earlier, The National reported that many Iranian families were cutting back on food and other daily expenses as inflation continued to erode purchasing power. However, the report noted that Iran remains far from a complete economic collapse.
For ordinary families, however, that distinction offers little comfort. As prices rise faster than incomes, many are forced to spend less, postpone purchases, sell personal belongings or rent items instead of buying them.
The financial strain is also becoming visible in other areas of daily life. More families are reportedly turning to instalment payments for healthcare and medicines as they struggle to meet routine expenses.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said the latest round of peace negotiations with Iran is the "last chance" to end the conflict.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that talks are "going on right now," at the request of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and others.
Tehran, however, has denied that any direct negotiations with the United States are taking place or that any talks are planned in the future.
