Speaking at the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings in Bangkok on Wednesday, Hemmati said the central bank’s priorities were curbing inflation, stabilizing inflation expectations, maintaining financial stability, and ensuring the continuity of banking and payment services.

He said the bank had helped preserve economic stability by supplying foreign currency for essential goods and medicines and containing accelerating inflation despite US sanctions and economic pressure.

Hemmati reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to monetary discipline, stronger policy frameworks, and addressing macroeconomic imbalances, noting that its performance should be assessed in light of external shocks and financial constraints that limit policy options and effectiveness.

He warned that continued regional tensions were affecting energy markets, transportation, trade, and investment. Stability, he said, required respect for sovereignty and legitimate security concerns, alongside cooperation based on mutual responsibility and shared interests.

Hemmati called on the IMF to assess the economic effects of war, sanctions, and restrictions on international payments with the same rigor it applies to domestic policies. He said all member countries should be evaluated against consistent standards, with active dialogue on measures to mitigate the consequences.

The 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group are being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 12 to 18. Iran is represented by Hemmati and Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Madanizadeh.

Global economic and financial stability, growth, employment, investment, development financing, poverty reduction, AI’s impact on jobs, and public debt are among the agenda’s key topics.