Securities and Exchange Organization

The Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO) is the regulatory body overseeing Iran's capital markets, including the Tehran Stock Exchange. Recently, the SEO managed the controlled reopening of the stock market after an extended closure of approximately 80 days. This closure was a consequence of the war with the United States and Israel. The reopening, which commenced on May 20, 2026, was implemented with certain restrictions, notably excluding companies heavily impacted by the conflict, such as those in the energy and steel sectors, from initial trading sessions. While the capital market is not the primary financing engine for the Iranian economy, its reopening holds significant political and psychological importance. The SEO's actions are therefore newsworthy as they signal a step towards normalization and economic recovery in the wake of the conflict, impacting investor confidence and market stability.