USD/IRR on May 29, 2026
Short Answer
Both the model and the market expect the USD/IRR exchange rate to be Above 1,000,000 on May 29, 2026, with no compelling evidence of mispricing.
1. Executive Verdict
- Strong macroeconomic headwinds, high inflation, and declining GDP point to depreciation.
- Persistent sanctions and ineffective monetary policy likely contribute to rial's weakness.
- Official and market exchange rates appear to have widened significantly in 2026.
- IMF forecasts severe inflation and economic challenges for Iran in 2026.
- Trump rejected the Iran deal in April 2026, maintaining the blockade.
- US sanctions and oil limits severely impact Iran's economy and currency.
Who Wins and Why
| Outcome | Market | Model | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above 1,000,000 | 98.0% | 99.9% | Current open market exchange rates are already well above 1,400,000 IRR as of early May 2026. |
| Above 1,200,000 | 92.0% | 99.0% | Current open market exchange rates are already well above 1,400,000 IRR as of early May 2026. |
| Above 1,300,000 | 90.0% | 98.5% | Current open market exchange rates are already well above 1,400,000 IRR as of early May 2026. |
| Above 1,500,000 | 12.0% | 21.5% | Strong macroeconomic headwinds, persistent sanctions, and ineffective monetary policy indicate continued rial depreciation. |
| Above 1,400,000 | 20.0% | 28.0% | Current open market exchange rates are already well above 1,400,000 IRR as of early May 2026. |
Current Context
Prediction markets strongly anticipate substantial rial depreciation by late May 2026. The market "USD/IRR on May 29, 2026" resolves to Yes if the rate published at 10:00 AM ET exceeds 1,400,000 IRR per 1 USD [^]. Broader markets, such as Polymarket's "USD vs Iranian rials by May 31" based on Bonbast, indicate very high crowd odds, with "↑ 1.8M" being the frontrunner at approximately 99%, suggesting market participants expect considerable rial weakness into late May [^].
Weakening macro conditions and sanctions enforcement amplify the risk of depreciation. Macroeconomic conditions cited include International Monetary Fund estimates for 2026, projecting a 6.1% shrinkage in Iran's economy and inflation reaching 68.9% [^]. The rial traded around 1.32 million per USD in April 2026, establishing a high baseline risk for further depreciation without de-escalation [^]. Near-term catalysts, such as an "Economic Fury" sanctions enforcement push and second-quarter pressures, have been reported [^]. Additionally, analysts project a 12-22 day crude storage deadline at Kharg Island if blockade conditions persist, which could rapidly amplify foreign exchange stress [^].
2. Market Behavior & Price Dynamics
Historical Price (Probability)
Outcome probability
Date
This prediction market has experienced a powerful upward trend, moving from an initial 9.0% probability to a current price of 98.0%. The most significant price action occurred around May 4, 2026, when the probability of a "Yes" outcome surged 72.0 percentage points from 9.0% to 81.0%. According to the provided context, this massive spike was primarily driven by news of escalating geopolitical tensions, specifically reports of Iranian threats and drone attacks that increased safe-haven demand for the U.S. dollar. This was followed by another 12.0 percentage point spike on May 5, pushing the price from 82.0% to 94.0%, solidifying the market's new direction.
The price action suggests a fundamental shift in market sentiment from uncertainty to near-certainty. The initial low of 9.0% acted as a base before the May 4 breakout. Following the spike, a new support level appears to have formed in the low 80s before the price quickly advanced to its current plateau near 98.0%. Trading volume patterns support this interpretation; a significant volume of 1,650 contracts was traded on May 6 as the price consolidated in the 90s, indicating strong market conviction behind the higher probability. Overall, the chart reflects an overwhelming consensus among traders that the USD/IRR exchange rate will exceed the 1,400,000 threshold by the resolution date, aligning with broader market expectations and macroeconomic forecasts of substantial rial depreciation.
3. Significant Price Movements
Notable price changes detected in the chart, along with research into what caused each movement.
Outcome: Above 1,400,000
📉 May 06, 2026: 32.0pp drop
Price decreased from 53.0% to 21.0%
What happened: The primary driver of the 32.0 percentage point drop in the "Above 1,400,000" outcome for USD/IRR on May 06, 2026, was a wave of traditional news reports signaling optimism about US-Iran relations [^]. On that date, news outlets reported that former President Trump hinted at a possible Iran deal, leading to a weaker US Dollar and hopes the US-Iran war was nearing an end [^]. This reduced the perceived likelihood of the Iranian Rial depreciating significantly enough for the USD/IRR rate to remain above 1,400,000 by May 29, 2026 [^]. While social media likely amplified these reports, there is no specific viral post identified as the primary catalyst for this particular price movement [^]. Social media was a contributing accelerant, rather than the primary driver.
Outcome: Above 1,200,000
📈 May 05, 2026: 28.0pp spike
Price increased from 67.0% to 95.0%
What happened: The reported 28.0 percentage point spike on May 05, 2026, for the "Above 1,200,000" outcome on the "USD/IRR on May 29, 2026" market cannot be confirmed [^]. Available data indicates that the USD/IRR rate was consistently well above 1,200,000 throughout late April and early May 2026, averaging ~1,314,000 and reaching 1.8 million IRR per USD on April 29, 2026, amid the ongoing US-Iran war and blockade [^][^][^][^][^][^]. Without confirmation of the specific price movement, it is not possible to identify a primary driver. No social media activity related to this specific event was identified, rendering it irrelevant as a driver.
Outcome: Above 1,000,000
📈 May 04, 2026: 72.0pp spike
Price increased from 9.0% to 81.0%
What happened: The primary driver of the 72.0 percentage point spike on May 4, 2026, was traditional news regarding escalating geopolitical tensions [^][^]. Reports indicated that Iran's threats and drone attacks on ships fueled safe-haven demand for the U.S. dollar, which saw a +0.25-0.3% rise that day [^][^]. This increased demand for USD and the associated weakening of the Iranian Rial likely led to a significantly higher perceived probability that the USD/IRR exchange rate would remain "Above 1,000,000" by May 29, 2026 [^][^]. Social media was not identified as a primary driver, contributing accelerant, or significant noise based on the provided information.
4. Market Data
Contract Snapshot
This market resolves to YES if the USD/IRR exchange rate, as published on Trading Economics on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET, is above 1,400,000 Iranian rials per 1 U.S. dollar. A NO resolution occurs if the rate is 1,400,000 or below. The market opened on May 4, 2026, and will close by May 29, 2026, at 9:59 AM EDT, or earlier if the economic data is released, with payouts projected 30 minutes after closing.
Available Contracts
Market options and current pricing
| Outcome bucket | Yes (price) | No (price) | Last trade probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above 1,000,000 | $0.98 | $0.03 | 98% |
| Above 1,100,000 | $0.97 | $0.04 | 97% |
| Above 1,200,000 | $0.93 | $0.08 | 92% |
| Above 1,300,000 | $0.90 | $0.11 | 90% |
| Above 1,400,000 | $0.21 | $0.80 | 20% |
| Above 1,500,000 | $0.12 | $0.89 | 12% |
| Above 1,700,000 | $0.13 | $0.88 | 12% |
| Above 1,600,000 | $0.12 | $0.90 | 11% |
| Above 1,850,000 | $0.08 | $0.93 | 10% |
| Above 2,000,000 | $0.06 | $0.95 | 6% |
Market Discussion
The USD/IRR exchange rate has recently been reported above 1,800,000 IRR in the free market, with Bonbast showing 1,835,000 IRR on May 2, 2026 [^] and an Instagram post confirming approximately 1,810,000 IRR on April 29, 2026 [^]. This aligns with Polymarket's assessment, which indicates a 99% probability of USD hitting 1,800,000 IRR by May 31, 2026 [^]. However, optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran deal (May 6-7, 2026) is reportedly causing the US Dollar to soften broadly, which may act as a potential stabilizer for the rial [^][^][^][^][^].
5. What monetary policy tools can the Central Bank of Iran deploy in Q1-Q2 2026 to defend the rial, and how effective were these measures in 2025?
| Rial depreciation in 2025 | 122% year-over-year [^][^] |
|---|---|
| Inflation in 2025 | Exceeded 50% [^] |
| Record USD/IRR (May 2026) | 1.87 million [^][^][^] |
The Central Bank of Iran possesses various monetary tools to defend the rial. These include foreign exchange interventions, reserve requirements set between 10-30%, profit rates determined via the Monetary and Credit Council, Open Market Operations involving Islamic bonds and repurchase agreements, and credit ceilings [^][^][^][^]. The Central Bank's policy also focuses on inflation control and deepening the foreign exchange market [^]. As of January 2026, repo and interbank rates remained stable at approximately 23% [^][^].
Monetary policy measures proved ineffective against rial depreciation in 2025. During this period, which included over $42 billion in subsidized foreign exchange allocations from March to December, these measures did not prevent substantial rial depreciation [^]. The rial depreciated by 122% year-over-year, moving from approximately 700,000 in January 2025 to over 1 million in December 2025 [^][^]. Concurrently, inflation surpassed 50%, according to the International Monetary Fund [^].
6. How do the IMF's 2026 projections for Iran's inflation and economic growth validate the market consensus for severe rial depreciation?
| 2026 Inflation | 69% (IMF) [^][^] |
|---|---|
| 2026 Real GDP Decline | -6.1% (IMF) [^][^] |
| USD/IRR > 1.8M by May 31 | 99% chance [^] |
IMF forecasts signal severe Iranian economic challenges for 2026. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Iran's inflation to reach 69% in 2026, which would be the highest rate recorded since World War II [^][^]. Alongside this, the IMF anticipates a real GDP decline of -6.1% for the same period [^][^]. These stark projections from the IMF strongly validate broader market expectations for a severe depreciation of the Iranian rial.
Market predictions corroborate significant Iranian rial depreciation ahead. Reflecting these economic outlooks, prediction markets indicate a 97% probability that the USD/IRR exchange rate will exceed 1,300,000 by April 2026, and a 99% chance it will surpass 1,800,000 by May 31 [^][^]. Additionally, forecasts suggest the USD/IRR exchange rate will be around 1,500,000 in May 2026, with projections indicating a rise to over 2,500,000 by the end of that year [^].
7. How has the spread between the Central Bank of Iran's official exchange rate and Bonbast.com's market rate trended in 2025-2026?
| Market rate vs official rate | 2.5 times official rate (January 2026) [^] |
|---|---|
| Rial value loss | 122% (January 2025 to February 2026) [^] |
| Bonbast USD sell rate | 1.835M IRR (May 2, 2026) [^] |
The spread between official and market exchange rates widened significantly in 2026. In January 2026, the market rate on Bonbast.com was 2.5 times the Central Bank of Iran's (CBI) official exchange rate [^]. This period coincided with a substantial depreciation of the rial, which lost 122% of its value between January 2025 and February 2026 [^]. The CBI's official rate for the US dollar increased from 756,368 IRR in December 2025 to 1,113,328 IRR in January 2026, and climbed further to approximately 1.408 million IRR by late April 2026 [^].
Bonbast market rates for USD trended consistently upward during this timeframe. While starting around 81,750 IRR equivalent in early 2025, the average market sell rate over a recent 59-day period was approximately 1.6 million IRR [^]. The upward trend continued into late April and early May 2026, with Bonbast USD sell rates reaching 1.67 million IRR on April 28 [^], 1.755 million IRR on April 30 [^], and 1.835 million IRR on May 2 [^]. A prediction market indicates a 94.5% probability that the USD will reach 1.8 million IRR on Bonbast by May 31, 2026 [^].
8. What do historical USD/IRR exchange rate data from 2023-2025 indicate about the potential volatility and maximum monthly depreciation possible in 2026?
| Projected Inflation (2026) | Above 40% (near 40% in recent years) [^] |
|---|---|
| USD/IRR Daily Fluctuation | 1,750,000 to 1,840,000 Rials within 24 hours (May 7, 2026) [^] |
| USD Price Increase (6 months) | 66.03% against Rial on open market (ending May 7, 2026) [^] |
The USD/IRR exchange rate demonstrates significant volatility and depreciation. For example, on May 7, 2026, the open market rate fluctuated between 1,750,000 and 1,840,000 Rials within a 24-hour period [^]. As of May 2026, the open market rate was 1,789,000 Iranian Rials per US Dollar, with the remittance market rate at 1,816,000 Iranian Rials per US Dollar, conditions expected to impact the "USD/IRR on May 29, 2026" prediction market [^]. Over the six months leading up to May 7, 2026, the US Dollar price in the Iranian market increased by 66.03% against the Rial, and the remittance market saw a 67.99% increase over the same period ending May 8, 2026 [^].
High inflation and external factors primarily drive depreciation. This volatility and depreciation are largely fueled by persistent high inflation, which has averaged near 40% in recent years and is projected to remain above 40% in 2026 [^]. Geopolitical events historically exacerbate pressure on the Rial, and government policy limitations frequently lead to monetary expansion, further contributing to inflation and depreciation [^]. The Rial has experienced substantial losses, reportedly losing nearly 800% of its value since 2020 [^]. While significant depreciation trends are evident over multi-month periods, the provided information is insufficient to determine the maximum monthly depreciation possible for the USD/IRR exchange rate in 2026. The open market rate remains a key indicator for assessing actual depreciation and volatility [^][^].
9. What are the key catalysts from the US Treasury's "Economic Fury" campaign and Iran's Kharg Island oil storage limits that could impact the USD/IRR before May 29, 2026?
| USD/IRR Free Market Peak | 1.81M on April 29 [^][^][^] |
|---|---|
| Iran Economic Shrinkage (2026) | 6.1% (IMF) [^] |
| Halted Oil Exports | 90% [^] |
The US sanctions severely impact Iran's economy and its currency's value. The US Treasury's "Economic Fury" campaign has significantly contributed to a substantial depreciation of the Iranian rial before May 29, 2026. Since April 2026, sanctions have targeted global networks fueling Iran's oil trade, including oil buyers, 40 vessels of the shadow fleet, specific elites such as the Shamkhani network, and shadow banking networks responsible for converting billions in yuan oil revenue [^][^][^]. These measures are directly linked to daily blockade losses estimated at approximately $435 million, exacerbating Iran's fiscal deficit, which stands at -2.4% of GDP [^][^]. Consequently, Iran's economy is projected to shrink by 6.1% in 2026 according to the IMF, alongside an expected inflation rate of 68.9% [^].
Kharg Island oil storage limits exacerbate Iran's economic crisis. Kharg Island's 31 million barrel oil storage capacity, which held 18 million barrels at the start of the blockade on April 13, was completely filled by April 26 due to a net inflow of 1.0-1.1 million barrels per day, utilizing the remaining 13 million barrels of spare capacity [^][^]. This situation has led to the halting of 90% of Iran's oil exports [^]. Forced well shut-ins risk permanent damage to 300-500 thousand barrels per day of production, though floating storage and Jask provide approximately 20 days of extra operational runway into May [^][^][^]. In response, the USD/IRR free market experienced a substantial increase, rising from 1.47 million early in 2026 to 1.54 million by early April, peaking at 1.81 million on April 29 [^][^][^]. A prediction market for May 31 indicates a 94.5% probability for the USD/IRR to be at or above 1.8 million [^].
10. What Could Change the Odds
Key Catalysts
A key catalyst is Trump's rejection of the Iran deal in April 2026, which maintained the Hormuz blockade [^] . Prediction markets placed the odds of a US-Iran nuclear deal at 0% before May and 16% before June [^][^]. Economically, the IMF forecasts 68.9% inflation and 0.3% growth for Iran in 2026, alongside a 300k bpd reduction in oil exports [^][^]. These factors contribute to a projected 6.1% GDP shrink [^][^][^].
The Iranian Rial has shown a depreciating trend, recorded at 1.57M IRR on March 28 and 1.55M on Feb 3 [^] . | Market Analysis & Prediction (2026)">[^]. Early May 2026, the Bonbast rate was approximately 183,500 Toman, equivalent to 1.835M IRR [^]. Market predictions suggest this trend will continue, with Polymarket showing a 99% chance the USD will reach 1.8M IRR by May 31 and a 94% chance for 1.9M [^]. Kalshi's market also indicates the USD/IRR exchange rate will be greater than 1,400,000 on May 29, 2026 [^].
Key Dates & Catalysts
- Expiration: June 05, 2026
- Closes: May 29, 2026
11. Decision-Flipping Events
- Trigger: A key catalyst is Trump's rejection of the Iran deal in April 2026, which maintained the Hormuz blockade [^] .
- Trigger: Prediction markets placed the odds of a US-Iran nuclear deal at 0% before May and 16% before June [^] [^] .
- Trigger: Economically, the IMF forecasts 68.9% inflation and 0.3% growth for Iran in 2026, alongside a 300k bpd reduction in oil exports [^] [^] .
- Trigger: These factors contribute to a projected 6.1% GDP shrink [^] [^] [^] .
13. Historical Resolutions
Historical Resolutions: 20 markets in this series
Outcomes: 8 resolved YES, 12 resolved NO
Recent resolutions:
- KXUSDIRR-26APR30-T200: NO (Apr 30, 2026)
- KXUSDIRR-26APR30-T185: NO (Apr 30, 2026)
- KXUSDIRR-26APR30-T170: NO (Apr 30, 2026)
- KXUSDIRR-26APR30-T160: NO (Apr 30, 2026)
- KXUSDIRR-26APR30-T150: NO (Apr 30, 2026)
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