Mounting inflation, capital flight, and political uncertainty expose the regime’s worsening economic deadlock
As Iran’s economic turmoil intensifies and foreign currency rates continue climbing, the dollar in the free market surged past 113,000 tomans, triggering renewed panic among citizens and investors. Gold prices rose sharply in parallel, underscoring the deepening financial instability.
On Thursday, November 13, the dollar reached 113,600 tomans, nearly 1,000 tomans higher than Wednesday’s peak before slightly retreating to 112,800 tomans. The rise reflects a dramatic acceleration in currency depreciation since the beginning of the week. On November 7, the dollar traded at 108,000 tomans—meaning it has jumped more than 5,000 tomans (5.2%) in just a few days.
Other major currencies followed the same trajectory. The euro climbed to 130,500 tomans, and the British pound hit 149,500 tomans on November 13.
Gold Market Surges to Record Highs
The gold market also continued its upward spiral.
- New-design gold coin: 120 million tomans
- Half-coin: 62.5 million tomans
- Quarter-coin: 36.8 million tomans
- One gram of 18-karat gold: over 11.6 million tomans
These unprecedented prices reflect widespread anxiety over Iran’s economic future as inflation and currency volatility batter household livelihoods.
Rapid Inflation and Sanctions Rebound Drive Crisis
Runaway inflation and the sharp rise in foreign exchange rates have deepened fears about the regime’s economic collapse. The crisis has accelerated following the reactivation of the UN sanctions “snapback” mechanism, which has further isolated Iran financially and politically.
On November 5, Fereyd Mousavi, a member of the regime’s parliamentary Economic Commission, warned that with inflation continuing to surge, a 130,000-toman dollar this winter is “not far-fetched.”
The regime’s own Central Bank recently reported historic levels of capital flight in spring 2025—an alarming indication of the severity of the financial meltdown.
Public Outrage Over Regime Mismanagement
The sharp depreciation of the rial has triggered widespread public frustration. Social media users expressed strong fears about the country’s future:
One user on X wrote:
“Next week’s IAEA Board of Governors meeting will heavily impact the currency market. There is no optimism about Iran’s political future, and that fear is pushing the dollar higher. Rumors of gasoline price hikes are adding even more pressure.”
Another user criticized the regime’s governance:
“I hope one day comes when we no longer fear the price of the dollar, gold, and inflation in this country.”
A third user commented on the crushing burden on vulnerable groups:
“When you see today’s prices, and retirees struggling to survive, you can already imagine the dollar hitting 140,000 tomans soon.”
Another user condemned President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration:
“During his time sitting like a puppet on that chair, the dollar, gold, and inflation have all broken records. The economic result of this government is nothing but misery.”
Leaked Survey Shows Public Dissatisfaction at 92%
On November 12, the Rouydad24 news outlet reported on a confidential poll by the Iranian Students Polling Agency (ISPA), recently leaked to the media. According to the findings, public dissatisfaction with the country’s direction has reached a staggering 92%, highlighting the regime’s deepening legitimacy crisis.
