The Iranian government announced a 60 percent increase to the minimum wage on March 20, the day of Nowruz, as the country attempted to celebrate the Persian New Year under sustained aerial bombardment.
Inflation in Iran had reached its highest levels since the Second World War. The cost of basic foods had spiraled beyond the reach of many families. Fuel shortages caused by strikes on oil infrastructure compounded the problem, driving up transportation and distribution costs for essential goods.
The wage increase was an acknowledgment of the economic catastrophe unfolding alongside the military conflict. Economists noted that it would do little to offset the price surges caused by supply chain collapse and the near-total disruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nowruz Under Fire
Nowruz, which marks the start of the Iranian calendar year, is normally a time of family gatherings, travel, and celebration. This year, millions of Iranians spent the holiday in damaged homes, displacement shelters, or under the constant threat of airstrikes.
Tehran’s parks and public spaces, traditional gathering places during the holiday, were largely empty. Air raid sirens had become a daily occurrence in the capital. Many families who could afford to leave had already fled the city. The UN refugee agency estimated that more than 100,000 people had left Tehran in the first 48 hours of the war alone.
Strikes Continue Without Pause
Coalition airstrikes did not pause for the holiday. Overnight operations targeted military and infrastructure sites in several provinces. The combined air campaign had now been running continuously for 21 days.
Iran’s state broadcaster reported that the war had killed more than 1,500 Iranians since it began. Independent monitors placed the figure higher when including unreported deaths in areas where communications had been cut.
Brent crude remained above $100 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil transits, continued to operate at approximately 10 percent of normal capacity.
International Response
Several countries issued statements calling for a pause in fighting during Nowruz. China, Turkey, and Pakistan all urged restraint. The calls went unheeded by both sides.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that more than 80,000 civilian sites had been hit since the start of the war, including homes, schools, hospitals, and shops. The figure underscored the scale of destruction being inflicted on civilian infrastructure even as coalition officials maintained they were targeting military assets.