TEHRAN – Iran’s Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati has been impeached as the country grapples with soaring inflation and a rapidly devaluing currency.

In a parliamentary vote, 182 out of 273 lawmakers supported his removal, signaling growing dissatisfaction with the economic instability under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, just six months after taking office.

Iran’s currency, the rial, has suffered a sharp decline, dropping from 600,000 to nearly 950,000 per US dollar due to economic challenges and regional tensions. The rising cost of living has fueled public discontent as Nowruz (Persian New Year) approaches.

During the impeachment session, Pezeshkian defended Hemmati, stating that the economic crisis is not the fault of a single individual but a result of broader challenges, including a budget deficit inherited from the previous government. However, hardline lawmakers accused Hemmati of mismanaging the economy and worsening inflation.

Hemmati countered that inflation had dropped by 10 percentage points, though it still stood at 35%. He emphasized that economic recovery would take time and highlighted Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, warning that its snapback sanctions mechanism could further impact the country’s economy.