Iran Eases Currency Rules to Boost Crypto Trade Amid US Sanctions
Iran has relaxed its strict foreign exchange rules to encourage cryptocurrency trade amid US sanctions. The move allows businesses to use Bitcoin and Tether for cross-border transactions, providing a lifeline during a period of severe economic pressure.
The US has frozen or blocked around $1 billion to $1.47 billion in Iranian-linked crypto assets since the start of the restrictions. This has left Iran facing significant challenges in accessing international finance, with its currency, the rial, plummeting to over 2 million per US dollar in the open market.
Roughly $10 billion worth of cryptocurrency moved through Iran in 2025, according to on-chain data. The country is also home to around 4.5% of global Bitcoin mining activity, as reported by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic.
The easing of rules benefits Iranian exporters and importers, who can now use cryptocurrencies directly for imports rather than converting their earnings through the government-controlled foreign exchange system.