Abdolnasser Hemmati

Central Bank Governor - Appointed December 31 to stabilize collapsing economy

The Iranian rial lost half its value in six months. On December 28, merchants shut down Tehran's Grand Bazaar—the same traders who helped topple the Shah in 1979. Within two weeks, what began as shopkeeper strikes morphed into the largest uprising since the Islamic Revolution. Now, after five days of near-total internet blackout, the death toll has exploded: credible estimates range from 500 to over 3,000 killed as the IRGC fires live ammunition into crowds hidden from the world's view.

Updated Jan 13

Central Bank Governor (appointed Dec 2025) - Appointed to replace Farzin amid deepening crisis

Iran's Central Bank governor resigned December 29 after the rial collapsed to 1.42 million per dollar—a 70% drop during his tenure—triggering the largest street protests in three years. By December 30, merchants had kept Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar shuttered for three days while crowds in Isfahan, Shiraz, Kermanshah, and Mashhad chanted 'Death to the Dictator' and 'Death to Khamenei' as security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition. Foodstuff prices have jumped 72% year-over-year.

Updated Dec 30, 2025