All banks across Iran will resume full operations beginning Saturday, according to an announcement by the country’s Bank Coordination Council, as reported by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Friday. The decision signals a gradual return to normal financial activity amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States.
The council confirmed that banking headquarters in Tehran and all regional branches nationwide will be fully functional. It further stated that customer service hours will remain unchanged, ensuring that regular banking services such as deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and other financial transactions continue without disruption.
The announcement comes at a sensitive moment in the region, following weeks of heightened military tension triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The strikes, which marked a sharp escalation in hostilities, reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure, according to Iranian and regional sources.
The conflict prompted fears of a broader regional war, particularly after Iran responded with retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli territory as well as areas in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting United States military installations. The escalation also led Iran to impose temporary restrictions on maritime movement through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping corridor.
However, diplomatic developments this week have created cautious optimism. On Tuesday, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire brokered through international mediation efforts, with Pakistan playing a key facilitation role. The truce is widely seen as an initial step toward broader negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and preventing further destabilization of the Middle East.
Under the ceasefire arrangement, both sides are expected to engage in talks to address longstanding disputes, including nuclear enrichment concerns, sanctions relief, regional security arrangements, and maritime security in the Persian Gulf. Despite the agreement, both Iran and the United States have issued warnings that the ceasefire remains fragile and could collapse if either side violates its terms.
Iranian officials have consistently emphasized that the truce must be accompanied by guarantees preventing renewed military aggression. Tehran has also insisted that any long-term settlement must include the lifting of US-imposed sanctions and recognition of Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy development.
Meanwhile, economic activity inside Iran has shown early signs of stabilization following disruptions caused by the conflict. The banking sector, in particular, plays a critical role in restoring confidence among businesses and citizens, especially after temporary interruptions and uncertainty surrounding financial operations during the peak of the crisis.
Analysts say the decision to fully reopen banks is also intended to signal internal stability and reassure both domestic and international stakeholders that Iran’s financial system remains functional despite external pressures. It is also expected to support trade flows, currency exchange operations, and government fiscal management as the country navigates ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
The reopening of banks comes as regional and international actors continue diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. Several countries, including Pakistan, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have reportedly been involved in supporting ceasefire negotiations and encouraging dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
At the same time, concerns remain over ongoing violence in nearby conflict zones, particularly Lebanon, where continued Israeli airstrikes have contributed to rising casualties and heightened regional instability. Observers warn that any deterioration in these parallel conflicts could undermine the fragile ceasefire framework currently in place.
Despite these challenges, the resumption of full banking services in Iran is being viewed as a cautiously positive step toward normalization. However, experts emphasize that the broader geopolitical situation remains volatile, and the sustainability of economic recovery will depend heavily on the durability of the ceasefire and progress in upcoming negotiations.
For now, Iranian authorities are urging citizens and businesses to resume financial activities with confidence, while international attention remains focused on whether diplomatic talks in the coming days will translate the temporary truce into a lasting peace agreement.
