The Iranian currency market commenced its Saturday session with notable movements, particularly for the US Dollar, which continued its upward trajectory. The USD recorded a sell price of 190,900 Toman, while its buy price stood at 189,770 Toman. This persistent strength in the dollar reflects ongoing domestic economic factors and global currency dynamics. Other major international currencies also saw activity; the Euro was quoted with a sell price of 218,400 Toman, and the British Pound reached 256,750 Toman. Regional currencies like the UAE Dirham traded at 51,300 Toman, and the Turkish Lira at 4,050 Toman, indicating a broad range of movements across the foreign exchange board.
In the gold and coin market, prices held relatively firm this morning, maintaining their significant value as a traditional hedge against inflation. The benchmark Emami coin was valued at 185,000,000 Toman, reflecting its enduring appeal in the local investment landscape. Following closely, the Azadi coin was priced at 180,000,000 Toman, and the Nim Seke, a smaller denomination, stood at 96,000,000 Toman. Domestically, the price of 18-karat gold, a common standard for jewelry and smaller investments, was recorded at 18,491,158 Toman per gram. On the international stage, the gold ounce traded at $4,019.30, providing a crucial benchmark for global precious metal movements and influencing local sentiment.
The cryptocurrency sector presented a varied picture, with key digital assets showing mixed signals. Bitcoin (BTC), the leading digital asset by market capitalization, was trading around $63,934, reflecting the broader sentiment in the global crypto market. Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, also saw activity, priced at $1,844.81. A notable observation in the local market was Tether (USDT), which was quoted at 193,211 Toman. This price is notably higher than the direct USD Toman exchange rate, suggesting a premium for stablecoin transactions in the local market, possibly driven by demand for easier international transfers or a perceived safer digital store of value.
The morning session on Saturday, July 18, 2026, suggests a market grappling with a confluence of factors, including inflationary pressures, evolving investment preferences, and global economic uncertainties. The continued strength of the US Dollar against the Toman remains a central theme, influencing both traditional and digital asset valuations across the board. Investors are closely monitoring global economic indicators, such as interest rate decisions and commodity prices, alongside domestic policy developments to gauge future market directions and make informed investment decisions in this dynamic environment.
As the week progresses, market participants will be watching for any new catalysts that could shift these trends, particularly in the currency and gold markets, which are highly sensitive to geopolitical and economic news.