Pharmacists in Iran have reported a growing shortage of essential medicines amid ongoing challenges caused by a US-led naval blockade and related sanctions, complicating the country’s ability to import and finance medical supplies. Iran, with a population of around 90 million, produces the majority of its medications domestically but remains dependent on imported raw materials—primarily from India—and finished drugs and vaccines from Europe and other regions.
In recent weeks, Iranian officials have acknowledged increased difficulty securing these imports. The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iran’s southern ports for several months, disrupting the key maritime route used to bring in medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, the number of international flights carrying medical products has declined due to US sanctions targeting airline service providers in third countries, which has further restricted air transport options.
Iran’s health ministry also pointed to damage sustained by several pharmaceutical factories during a period of intensified US-Israeli air strikes, which compounded the supply challenges. In response, Tehran has resorted to deploying strategic reserves of medicines and seeking alternative overland import routes.
The Iranian Pharmacists Association highlighted shortages of about 60 critical medicines, including treatments for life-threatening conditions such as thalassaemia. The association stated that no raw materials, medicines, or necessary equipment have arrived by sea since the blockade began.
Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi acknowledged that while medicines are officially not subject to sanctions, restrictions on foreign currency transfers and shipping logistics have disrupted supply chains. “Even though they officially announce that medicines are not subject to sanctions, restrictions on foreign currency transfer and shipments impede supply,” he said.
The US government maintains that humanitarian goods such as medicines are exempt from sanctions. However, experts note that Washington’s broader campaign, which includes restricting air travel to and from Iran, contributes to logistical barriers that affect pharmaceutical imports. A White House official described the naval blockade as a significant logistical challenge that limits Iran’s access to alternative transportation routes. The official also pointed to Iran’s high inflation and declining purchasing power as additional factors exacerbating difficulties in procuring medical supplies.
International financial institutions have grown increasingly cautious about dealing with Iranian entities, even for transactions exempt from sanctions, according to the UK-based Bourse & Bazaar Foundation think tank. The group warned that tightening sanctions risk inflicting serious harm on ordinary Iranians, particularly by limiting the availability and affordability of critical medical goods.
India, a major pharmaceutical supplier to Iran via the Strait of Hormuz, has seen a decline in shipments and direct flights to Iran, further deepening the shortage. The compounded effects of the naval blockade, air transport restrictions, and financial hurdles have placed Iran’s healthcare system under increasing strain.