Sat Apr 05 15:58:36 UTC 2025: ## Iranian Rial Plummets to Record Low Amid US Tensions
**Tehran, Iran –** Iran’s rial has hit a record low against the US dollar, trading at 1,043,000 to the dollar on Saturday, fueled by escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington and the re-imposition of US sanctions. The currency’s fall follows a period of informal trading during the Nowruz holiday, where the rial already fell to over 1 million per dollar. Uncertainty over the rial’s future value led some Tehran traders to turn off electronic signs displaying exchange rates.
The dramatic devaluation reflects the ongoing impact of US sanctions, particularly those re-imposed by President Trump after he withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign, targeting Iranian oil sales, has further crippled the Iranian economy.
Despite the heightened tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Saturday that Iran is open to dialogue with the US as equals, although he did not clarify whether this would involve direct talks. He criticized the US’s current policies, stating that America’s actions are humiliating not only Iran but also the world. He questioned the logic of threatening negotiations.
The ongoing dispute centers around Western accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons – a claim Iran vehemently denies, asserting its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. The 2015 nuclear deal, which involved the US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany, aimed to regulate Iran’s nuclear activities. However, the US withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent sanctions have led to Iran scaling back its commitments under the agreement and accelerating its nuclear program. Adding to the concerns, a close advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader warned this week that while Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, it would be forced to pursue them if attacked.
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