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Iran has enough foreign currency despite US sanctions, central bank chief says
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/1/2026

Iran has enough foreign currency despite US sanctions, central bank chief says

Iran's Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati stated that Iran possesses sufficient foreign currency reserves despite ongoing U.S. sanctions. He assured the U.S. president that Iran has adequate foreign currency and emphasized that the central bank is prepared to inject up to $2 billion into the foreign exchange market to stabilize recent fluctuations. Hemmati mentioned that the bank continues to accumulate foreign currency receivables and has both domestic reserves and other financial resources. While acknowledging that economic conditions have become challenging, he denied any risk of economic collapse, calling such claims 'psychological warfare' and predicting that the situation would stabilize soon.

Iran’s central bank governor asserted on Tuesday that the country possesses adequate foreign currency reserves despite ongoing U.S. sanctions, countering concerns over economic instability. In remarks attributed to Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, officials emphasized that Iran has sufficient foreign exchange to maintain economic stability and avoid a financial collapse. The statement came amid reports suggesting the U.S. could intensify its sanctions campaign against Iran in the near future. Hemmati reportedly told reporters during a press briefing that Iran has “enough” foreign currency and is prepared to inject up to $2 billion into the foreign exchange market to stabilize recent fluctuations. He described the situation as one of heightened difficulty for ordinary Iranians but denied the existence of any imminent risk of economic collapse. “These claims are just psychological warfare,” he stated, adding that the current turbulence would eventually subside. The central bank official also noted that the institution continues to accumulate foreign currency receivables through various channels while maintaining both domestic reserves and alternative funding sources. His comments were made in response to persistent speculation about the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran’s economy, particularly after a series of targeted measures imposed by Washington in recent months. Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that additional secondary sanctions targeting Iranian banks and other entities are expected in the coming weeks. Speaking to Reuters on Sunday, Bessent suggested that the administration plans to introduce new restrictions regularly, beginning with financial institutions. “You’re going to see a lot more of these every week,” he said, emphasizing that U.S. authorities aim to deter global banks from facilitating transactions involving Iranian assets. Bessent also outlined broader intentions to engage with G20 finance ministers and central bank leaders, urging them to sever economic ties with Iran under threat of secondary sanctions. This approach aligns with previous U.S. strategies aimed at isolating Iran economically and diplomatically, particularly following the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the reimposition of stringent trade restrictions. The potential escalation of sanctions comes at a time when Iran faces mounting challenges due to fluctuating oil prices, internal economic pressures, and international isolation. Despite these difficulties, the central bank’s leadership insists that the nation’s financial system remains resilient and capable of weathering external shocks. Officials have repeatedly downplayed fears of a severe economic downturn, arguing that Iran’s ability to manage its foreign exchange resources ensures continued operational capacity. Analysts suggest that the interplay between Iran’s economic resilience and the U.S.’s expanding sanctions strategy will shape regional dynamics in the months ahead. While Tehran maintains that it can withstand further pressure, Washington appears determined to apply continuous economic leverage to compel behavioral changes from the Iranian government. The outcome of this standoff will depend largely on how effectively each side can implement its respective policies and countermeasures. Recent developments indicate that both nations are preparing for prolonged engagement on this front, with neither showing immediate signs of backing down. As the U.S. ramps up its sanctions apparatus, Iran’s central bank continues to assert control over its foreign exchange mechanisms, signaling a readiness to defend its economic sovereignty against external interference.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

3 reports

Middle East Eye logoMiddle East EyeIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 659/1/2026
Iran has enough foreign currency despite US sanctions, central bank chief says

Iran's Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati stated that Iran possesses sufficient foreign currency reserves despite ongoing U.S. sanctions. He assured the U.S. president that Iran has adequate foreign currency and emphasized that the central bank is prepared to inject up to $2 billion into the foreign exchange market to stabilize recent fluctuations. Hemmati mentioned that the bank continues to accumulate foreign currency receivables and has both domestic reserves and other financial resources. While acknowledging that economic conditions have become challenging, he denied any risk of economic collapse, calling such claims 'psychological warfare' and predicting that the situation would stabilize soon.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a direct statement from Iran's Central Bank Governor regarding the country's economic resilience amid U.S. sanctions. The content is primarily factual, quoting the governor's assurances and actions by the central bank. There is no overtly biased language or selective sourcing; a

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the statement from Iran's Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, indicating Iran's sufficient foreign currency reserves. It provides direct quotes and details of the central bank's actions, which are consistent with other sources reporting similar claims from Irania

Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'psychological warfare' and emphasizes the resilience of Iran's economy, which may reflect a pro-Iranian perspective. It does not present alternative views or contextualize the claims adequately.

Reuters logoReutersIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 709/1/2026
Iran says it has enough foreign currency despite US sanctions

Iran has stated that it possesses sufficient foreign currency reserves to withstand the economic pressures imposed by U.S. sanctions. The country faces significant financial challenges due to these sanctions, which have restricted its access to international financial systems and trade. Despite these difficulties, Iranian authorities claim they have managed to maintain adequate foreign exchange reserves. This assertion comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The situation highlights the complex interplay between economic resilience and geopolitical conflict.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward statement from Iranian authorities without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on a political issue but does not take a clear stance or emphasize one side over another.

Why factuality (88): This brief article confirms the claim made in the previous article about Iran having enough foreign currency despite US sanctions, citing Iranian officials. It is concise but consistent with the broader narrative reported by other sources.

Why objectivity (70): While shorter than the other articles, it lacks nuance and does not provide context or counterpoints. The phrasing 'says it has enough' suggests a neutral stance, but the lack of balance in coverage reduces its objectivity score.

Middle East Eye logoMiddle East EyeIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 758/31/2026
Fresh US sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Iran expected in coming weeks

The US Treasury Department is preparing to impose new secondary sanctions against Iran, targeting banks that facilitate transactions involving Iranian funds. These measures aim to increase economic pressure on Iran by discouraging financial institutions from engaging with the country. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that such sanctions will be introduced weekly and emphasized the need for G20 finance ministers and central bank governors to sever economic ties with Iran to avoid facing similar penalties.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding planned US sanctions against Iran without overtly favoring either side. It quotes US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent directly and does not include commentary or framing that suggests a particular ideological stance.

Why factuality (85): The article reports statements from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding planned sanctions against Iran, citing a reliable source (Reuters). It aligns with the cross-source consensus that the US is escalating economic pressure on Iran through secondary sanctions. The information is presente

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat supportive of US policy, using phrases like 'increasing pressure' and quoting officials without presenting opposing viewpoints. While not overtly biased, it frames the sanctions as a strategic move by the US government.

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