Iranians born in the 1980s, known as the ‘Burnt Generation,’ describe their lives as profoundly difficult, marked by war, sanctions, inflation, and political unrest. Official data reveals that Iran’s annual inflation rate reached 89 percent by the end of August, with food prices soaring more than 127 percent. Price hikes in petrol, combined with U.S. sanctions, maritime blockades, and disrupted transportation, have further strained everyday life, forcing families to reduce consumption.
Tehran (Iran) – Iranians born in the 1980s often refer to themselves as the ‘Burnt Generation’. Their lives have unfolded amidst the political and economic turmoil that followed the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution. Notably, the 1979 hostage crisis, during which Iranian Islamic militants held American diplomats hostage for 444 days at the U.S. Embassy, is emblematic of the decade’s volatile political climate.
According to Bardia, today’s youth, born in the 1980s, face even greater challenges than the previous generation. Employment markets are more unstable and inflation continues to rise. Speaking to Al Jazeera on the condition of anonymity for security reasons, he said, “Dreams of living independently, starting a family, traveling abroad, buying a home, opening a store, owning a car or a new phone are drifting further away each day.”
Data from Iran shows that by the end of August, the annual inflation rate had surged to 89 percent. Food prices increased by over 127 percent compared to the same month last year. The Iranian national currency, the rial, has been steadily depreciating; last week, its exchange rate against the U.S. dollar surpassed 1,370,000 rials on the open market, setting a new record.
One Iranian user on the social media platform X wrote, “I remember the day my father bought a car for 10 million tomans (100 million rials, approximately $43). I also remember when he bought land at that same price. Today, he came home carrying a small amount of meat, which cost 10 million tomans. I am stunned. I’m 24 years old and I’ve witnessed all of this.”
Economist and market analyst Behnam Samadi explains that political and economic uncertainties are forcing Iran to bear a heavy cost. Families are progressively adjusting their lifestyles and consumption habits, cutting expenditures on entertainment, education, and healthcare. There is an increasing tendency to buy on credit and through installment plans.
“The most accurate description is that Iranian families are adapting to circumstances, but this does not mean their standard of living is being maintained,” Samadi said. “If these conditions persist, what we currently call ‘resilience’ may eventually lead to a ‘breakdown of resilience.’”
