Will Scott Bessent’s Remarks and Hemmati’s Dismissal Shake Iran’s Currency Market?
Thursday 6 Mar 2025Iran’s currency market has been experiencing significant fluctuations in recent weeks, driven by both internal and external factors. One of the latest developments is the recent statement by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, urging Iranians to convert their assets into foreign currency due to increasing economic pressure on Iran. While the market has yet to react, such remarks have historically triggered inflationary expectations and heightened demand for the U.S. dollar, potentially le

Domestically, another major event was the dismissal of Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati by the Iranian Parliament. Hemmati, who had been in office for eight months under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, faced criticism for failing to control inflation and currency volatility. Following his removal, the dollar’s exchange rate slightly declined, reflecting hopes that new economic leadership could stabilize the market.
Despite these developments, Iran’s economic challenges remain substantial. Structural issues such as high liquidity, economic imbalances, soaring inflation, and international sanctions continue to pressure the rial. While the market has yet to respond to Bessent’s statement, similar comments in the past have intensified public concerns and influenced currency demand.
In the short term, managerial changes and temporary measures may create brief fluctuations in exchange rates. However, long-term currency stability depends on deep economic reforms, improved transparency, and de-escalation of geopolitical tensions. Without these fundamental changes, Iran’s currency market is likely to remain volatile, affecting both businesses and consumers.