Iran CBI Chief Denies Severe Forex Deficit as Rial Collapses

Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati publicly rejected claims of a severe foreign-exchange deficit amid the rial's continued devaluation, a statement that contradicts market signals and may signal policy denial or intervention limits. The claim is unverified and likely aimed at managing expectations, but the currency's slide suggests underlying balance-of-payments stress. This matters because it affects Iran's import capacity, inflation trajectory, and regional economic stability.