Budget Deficit Estimated at 400-1,800 Trillion Tomans

Analysts estimate Iran's budget deficit ranges between 400 and 1,800 trillion tomans, a staggering range reflecting the uncertainty of government revenue projections. Oil revenue is running 30% below budget forecasts due to sanctions enforcement, while the rial's collapse has inflated the toman-denominated cost of imports and debt servicing. Critics argue the government plans to cover the deficit 'from the people's pockets' through subsidy cuts, currency devaluation, and inflation rather than structural reform.