behzad is shocked. his client in iriraq has alreay papaid for the order and resod it. >> [translated] that means i can't fulfill the contract and that of course will hurt our business relations. the iraqis will probably stop doing business with us. it wouldn't be the first time that happened. reporter: tabriz, a city with almost 2 million residents, is the largest commercial hub in western iran. before launching his tile business, behzad sold mineral water he imported from turkey. but the introduction of u.s. sanctions sent the value of iran's currency tumbling. the turkish water became too expensive and his business failed. food prices, in general, are rising. [translated] >> my wife and i both work and we have jujust oe chchild. but imamagine how it ir families with a lot of children. they have to buy groceries and pay rent. they're really struggling. may god help us. reporter: behzad's wife bahar is a senior physician at a hospital, where she heads the maternity ward. it's a secure, well-paid job. sh