UN chief Ban says sanctions are hurting Iranians as inflation takes its toll

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. chief says Iran's general population is feeling the brunt of international sanctions as inflation and unemployment continue to rise, while lifesaving medicines are in short supply.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in a report to the U.N. General Assembly released Friday that humanitarian operations have also been hampered, as payment problems have led to a shortage of medicines needed for treating diseases like cancer.

The Iranian currency has plummeted in recent days, sharply driving up prices and causing protests. Iran's rial has lost nearly 40 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past week alone.

The U.N. Security Council has imposed four rounds of sanctions aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear program, which Iran maintains is peaceful. The U.S. and European Union have also sanctioned Iran.