Despite an ongoing US naval blockade, international sanctions, and a trade war, high-end electronics like the latest iPhone 18 are still smuggled into Iran through complex land routes like Iraqi Kurdistan. However, a crashing national currency, soaring government registration fees (which can add over 50% to the cost), and severe economic strain have made these devices virtually unaffordable for most ordinary Iranians, forcing many into debt or to keep repairing their old electronics instead.