The Tehran stock market partially resumed trading on Tuesday after an 80-day shutdown triggered by military strikes on Iran by American and Israeli forces earlier this year. Authorities had suspended all trading during the conflict due to extreme uncertainty and widespread damage affecting listed companies.
Despite the reopening, the market is still operating under significant restrictions. According to the Tehran Securities and Exchange Organization, 42 trading symbols remain suspended, representing nearly 35 percent of the market’s total value. Officials said these companies will return gradually after damage assessments and financial reviews are completed.
Early trading reflected continued investor anxiety. By 10:30 AM local time, the main index had fallen 4,080 points. The benchmark index stood at 3.71 million units, sharply below the 4.4 million level recorded before the war began in February. Analysts say the market remains under heavy pressure as investors react to economic uncertainty and operational disruptions.
Hojjatollah Seydi, head of the Tehran Securities and Exchange Organization, said the lengthy closure resulted from two main issues. Wartime conditions made accurate pricing impossible, while many companies were unable to prepare reliable financial statements. Without updated reports, regulators could not determine fair asset values.
More than 500 companies participated in the reopening session, but the absence of major symbols continues to limit liquidity and investor confidence. Some analysts believe the suspended firms include defense-related industries and logistics companies located near strike zones. Many of these businesses may require full reassessment of assets and future earnings.
The reopening carries political and economic significance, signaling a limited return to normal activity. However, international sanctions and war-related risks continue to discourage investment. Small shareholders, retirement funds, and mutual funds also faced months without access to capital during the suspension period.
Regulators say trading for suspended companies will resume gradually after audits and inspections are completed. While some experts expect additional market losses, others believe long-term investors may eventually find buying opportunities as the market stabilizes.