Iran considers reopening stock market after nearly two decades of closure

Iran’s Stock Market to Reopen After 80-Day Closure

Tehran, Iran - The Tehran Stock Exchange is set to reopen on Tuesday after an 80-day closure due to the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. The exchange had remained shut since February 28, when missile attacks were launched on Tehran and other parts of the country.

The Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO) has announced that shares, equity funds, and equity-linked derivatives will resume trading on Tuesday and Wednesday. Operations will be extended by one hour to accommodate firms that will be disclosing important information after sustaining damages during the war.

The stock market is not considered a primary source of financing for Iran’s economy, but its reopening may provide insight into the country’s economic situation and allow authorities to gauge investor trust and market liquidity.

The Tehran Stock Exchange had reached an all-time high in 2026 before plummeting following nationwide protests and a state-imposed internet shutdown. The war with the US and Israel further spooked investors, leading to a significant decline in the market.

Many Iranians continue to hold savings in foreign currency, gold, housing, cars, or other assets due to concerns about the economy’s stability. Banks and the state remain the largest financers of economic activity in Iran.

The Central Bank of Iran has been printing money to address budget holes, but this has led to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power for Iranians. The war has exacerbated these issues, with a naval blockade imposed by the US on April 13 further straining the economy.

It is unclear how much information Iranian companies will be allowed to disclose about war damage, given ongoing security risks and the threat of renewed fighting. Companies will be categorized into three groups: those directly affected by the war, those affected through suppliers or customers, and firms impacted by the general environment.

The reopening of the stock market marks an important step for Iran’s economy, but its long-term impact remains uncertain.

Source: Al Jazeera