For decades, Iran's leaders have said they can withstand economic sanctions. But now, as Washington prepares what it calls the toughest economic measures in history, many are wondering whether Iran's economy is nearing breaking point.

The Iranian currency, the Rial, is in freefall. It hit a new all-time low of two million Rials to the US dollar. Last year it was just under a million rials to the US dollar. Everyday Iranians are the ones hit the hardest as the cost of basic goods soars.