Iran Banks Allowed to Purchase Foreigners’ Hard Currency

The Central Bank of Iran has allowed lenders to purchase the hard currency held by foreign tourists, transit drivers, foreign diplomatic missions based in Iran and representative offices of foreign banks. 
In a statement published on CBI's website on Saturday, the bank said these entities can sell their currency to banks at the rate announced by the central bank through a written request. The bank adds that the purchases would have to be approved by the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran. 
CBI said that this is in line with giving banks the main "intermediary role in managing foreign exchange resources" and guiding those resources to those who need them.