The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has officially launched a public pilot program for its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital rial. Announced on June 18, this initiative is designed to facilitate domestic micropayments. By introducing the digital rial, the CBI aims to modernize the financial system and enhance transaction efficiency within the country. The pilot program will allow the CBI to evaluate the digital rial's effectiveness and gather insights on its impact on the economy. This move reflects Iran's efforts to embrace digital financial technologies and improve the accessibility and convenience of its monetary system.