Iran estimates war damage at about $270 billion

The shortages affect both life-saving treatments for cancer and heart disease as well as common over-the-counter painkillers. Despite the public struggle, earlier this month, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said current strategic reserves are in good condition and the government ordered urgent imports.

Price increases for critical drugs have left many patients unable to afford treatment. Citizens told Iran International that the price of Xgeva, a drug used for bone cancer, rose from 15,000,000 rials ($9.38) to 420,000,000 rials ($262.50) in two months. The treatment requires an injection every two months.

In the city of Karaj, the price of Lantus insulin rose from 1,770,000 rials ($1.11) to 7,100,000 rials ($4.44). Other residents said some types of insulin now cost more than 70,000,000 rials ($43.75) following recent regional conflicts.

Cancer patients told the broadcaster that a 30-day supply of Aromasin, which previously cost 5,000,000 rials ($3.13) with insurance, now sells for 44,000,000 rials ($27.50) when available. Many patients said they cannot find imported versions and that local substitutes are not effective.

The shortages extend to basic items. Residents in Tehran said pharmacies now ration common pills like GeloFen, while elderly patients in Mashhad reported they cannot find basic antidepressants like Amitriptyline.

Medical supplies such as disposable gloves are also difficult to find in many pharmacies. Patients said they are forced to delay treatment or face financial ruin to buy medicine.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair a video conference in Paris on Friday for countries willing to contribute to a defensive multilateral mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions permit, the French presidency said on Tuesday.

The meeting will focus on coordinating support for the initiative amid heightened tensions in the waterway.

Senior diplomats will also hold a video call on Wednesday ahead of the leaders’ meeting, two European diplomats said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday it was important to press ahead with peace negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in the northern city of Verona, Meloni said every effort should be made to stabilize the situation and restore access through the strait.

“It is necessary to continue working in order to advance peace negotiations, making every possible effort to stabilize the situation and reopen the Strait, which is fundamental for us, not only for fuel supplies but also for fertilizers,” she said.

Britain’s Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday she was “very frustrated and angry” over what she described as the United States’ lack of a clear strategy in the war in Iran, according to the Mirror newspaper.

“This is a war that we did not start. It was a war that we did not want,” she told the newspaper.

“I feel very frustrated and angry that the US went into this war without a clear exit plan, without a clear idea of what they were trying to achieve,” she added.

Reeves also said the situation had led to the Strait of Hormuz being blocked.

“And as a result the Strait of Hormuz is now blocked,” she said.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Europe to play a more active role in pushing the United States toward an agreement, saying diplomacy remains the best way to resolve disputes, according to state media.

In a call with France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian said Iran was ready to continue talks within international rules and that Europe could encourage Washington to follow that framework.

“Despite expert-level understandings between the sides, excessive demands and a lack of political will among senior US officials have prevented a deal from being finalized,” he said.

“Approaches based on threats, pressure and military action are not effective and will only add to the complexity of the issues,” he added.

Pezeshkian said Iran sees diplomacy as the preferred path and remains ready for dialogue while safeguarding its national interests.

He also said Iran has sought to ensure secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any threat to the waterway could have broad consequences for global trade.