Iran to reopen all bank branches nationwide from April 11

All bank branches across Iran will resume full operations from Saturday, April 11, according to Iranian state media, marking the end of weeks of disruptions to the country’s banking sector.

The reopening applies to branches nationwide, including head office units in Tehran, which are also expected to return to normal operations from the weekend.

Iran’s Bank Coordination Council said the decision would restore full banking activity across the country after a period of limited service caused by regional tensions and operational disruptions.

According to state-backed reports, “all bank branches across Iran will resume full operations starting Saturday,” while bank headquarters in Tehran will also “return to normal functioning” as part of the nationwide reopening.

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The move comes after several weeks of instability in Iran’s financial sector, during which some banks reduced in-person services and customers were encouraged to rely on electronic banking channels.

In late March, Bank Mellat extended the validity of expiring bank cards by three months to help customers avoid visiting branches during the disruption. 

According to Reuters, the banking sector had also come under pressure amid wider regional tensions.

Earlier this year, Iranian authorities warned that economic and banking institutions could become targets during the conflict, after an administrative building linked to Bank Sepah was reportedly hit in Tehran.

The reopening of bank branches follows recent reports of a fragile ceasefire agreement involving Iran and efforts to ease tensions in the region. 

Financial and business activity in the country is expected to gradually normalise if the current calm holds.