Iranian pharmacists warn of worsening medicine shortages as US sanctions and blockades disrupt imports of raw materials and finished drugs. Despite domestic production of most medicines, Iran relies on imports from India and Europe, now hindered by blocked southern ports, cancelled international flights, and strikes on pharmaceutical facilities during the US-Israeli bombing campaign. Strategic reserves are being tapped, and overland routes explored.

Hadi Ahmadi of the Iranian Pharmacists Association said about 60 medicines for life-threatening conditions like thalassaemia are in short supply, with no raw materials or medicines entering by sea during the naval blockade. A Tehran pharmacist reported even basic painkillers and common psychiatric medications are unavailable. Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi acknowledged the economic blockade disrupts supply chains, noting that while medicines are officially exempt from sanctions, restrictions on foreign currency transfers and shipments impede access.

The US maintains medicine is exempt, but analysts say sanctions on air travel and financial channels indirectly harm pharmaceutical access. International banks avoid Iranian transactions despite exemptions, per the UK-based Bourse and Bazaar Foundation. India remains a key supplier via the Strait of Hormuz, but shipments and flights have declined.

President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly transported pharmaceutical ingredients from India on his private plane during a Brics summit visit. One European drugmaker confirmed it did not restrict supplies but received no orders from Iranian authorities since June 2026. A retired nurse described visiting multiple pharmacies across Tehran to find her husband’s chemotherapy drugs.