Al -Jazeera Net Correspondents
The Iranian markets witnessed, on Friday, a state of anticipation and anxiety in the wake of the Israeli strikes that targeted sites inside Iran, amid increasing fears of sliding conditions towards a long -term military escalation, may directly affect daily life and the fragile economic situation, which still suffers from the consequences of Western sanctions, and decrease rates GrowthAnd high lineage Inflation.
Roller landing for Umman
The exchange rate of the Iranian currency (Al -Tuman) recorded a sharp decrease in the free market on Friday morning, as the dollar exceeded the 94,000 Tuman barrier, compared to about 83,000, on Thursday, in one of the largest daily decline in waves in several months, according to what was reported by the “Dunia Economy” agency specialized in financial and economic affairs.
This decline is a clear indication of the escalation of the uncertainty in economic circles, especially in the absence of a clear vision about what will lead to political and security developments.
This decline coincided with a slight rise in the official prices published by the government, as the price of the dollar in the official platform “Nima” reached about 71 thousand and 325 Tomana in cash, and 69 thousand and 382 for transfers, according to what the official news agency “IRNA” reported.
Economists believe that this large difference between the official price and the free market price highlights the fragility of the country’s monetary system, and increases pressure on consumers and importers alike.
Field moves and popular anxiety
Al -Jazeera Net monitored exceptional moves of citizens in Tehran and a number of cities, where dozens went to exchange offices to withdraw hard currency or to convert their savings into more stable foreign currencies, to calculate any upcoming unrest in the event of expanding military strikes or escalating regional tension.
“What happened at dawn today (yesterday) was shocking … people no longer trust that things will remain confined. Many immediately went to the cashiers, and others to stores to buy basic supplies.” He explained that fears are not only related to the security situation, but also extend to the possibilities of paralysis in supply chains or disturbance in basic services, if the pace of strikes escalate.
For her part, Laila Saharrabi (a housewife living in the Youssef Abad neighborhood) expressed concern about the impact of strikes on food prices, saying, “Some stores raised prices immediately after hearing the news. I bought a rice bag at a 20% price compared to the past week. If the strikes continue, we fear that some commodities will disappear from the market.” She pointed out that the collective memory of the Iranians still maintains pictures of the crisis of the lack of basic materials during the maximum penalties and the Koruna.
Survival and individual precautions
Despite the prevailing anxiety, there have been yet recorded indicators of an “exceptional crowding” in commercial stores or food stores inside Iran, according to what was documented by field views. However, observers indicated that there is a limited increase in the purchase movement in some of the capital’s stores, which reflects a kind of individual precaution without turning into a state of mass panic.
“Today’s atmosphere is abnormal. People buy more than usual, but without chaos. Some are asking about the availability of oil, sugar and grains,” said a dietary seller in a running bazaar – to Al Jazeera Net.
Things may change within the next 48 hours if they hear a new batch of attacks. He emphasized that the suppliers began to be lined up in the delivery of goods, for fear of the fluctuation of prices.
Pressure on global markets
These developments come in light of noticeable reactions in the global markets, as oil prices increased by about 7%, and the price of Brent crude reached more than $ 75 a barrel, while investors have resorted to safe assets such as gold, US dollar and Swiss franc, amid the growing fears of the possibility of navigation disorder in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about five global oil exports pass through, and is considered a vital artery for the economy International.
Analysts warn that any possible escalation may cause significant disturbances in the global energy markets, and increase tension in the Gulf region, which will negatively reflect the movement of trade, prices of goods and services around the world, and not only in Iran.
Surround and fear
Observers believe that the continuation of economic pressures, in addition to military tensions, may return to mind the scenes of “panication” that Iran witnessed in previous periods, especially during the escalation of sanctions or during the outbreak of the Korona’s pandemic in 2020. Some estimates indicate that any long -term clash may eliminate the remainder of confidence in the internal markets, and pushes citizens towards more compatibility and self -precaution.
However, until the moment, the Iranian government appears to be keen to control the media scene and reassure the residents that things are under control. Official channels have broadcast reports aimed at calming the street, stressing that “the situation is under follow -up” while economic officials called on citizens to “not be drawn behind rumors and exaggerations.”
However, questions remain open about whether this country will be able to contain the repercussions of recent events, or whether the road towards a new economic crisis has already started.