Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati says the country has sufficient foreign currency reserves despite US sanctions. Speaking on Tuesday, he tells the US president that Iran “has (foreign) currency and it has enough,” responding to claims attributed to US officials that Iran is lashing out due to economic pressure.
Hemmati also says the central bank is prepared to inject up to $2 billion into Iran’s foreign exchange market to calm recent currency volatility. He adds that the central bank continues collecting foreign-currency receivables and has domestic reserves and other resources. Middle East Eye and the other outlets report Hemmati also argues that collapse is not expected and that negative narratives are “psychological warfare.”
While the reports largely agree on Hemmati’s assurances and the planned $2 billion market intervention, they differ slightly in emphasis. One outlet notes that the Iranian rial plunged to a record low in August, framing the remarks against recent currency weakness, while others focus more on Hemmati’s message to US officials and the assertion that reserves remain adequate.
