Iran Loosens Crypto Rules to Bypass Sanctions on Cross-Border Trade

Iran's central bank has relaxed rules on using cryptocurrencies for cross-border trade, giving exporters more flexibility to repatriate earnings as US sanctions tighten access to conventional financial channels.

The change allows businesses to settle some international transactions through Iranian crypto exchanges using assets like Tether's USDT and Bitcoin.

Previously, exporters were required to return a large share of their overseas revenue through the government-controlled foreign-exchange platform, often at rates below market prices.

This led to a significant amount of undeclared earnings accumulating inside and outside the country, with Iranian authorities estimating over $100 billion in such funds.

The new approach gives traders access to market-based exchange rates and reduces dependence on the official currency platform, but also exposes them to blockchain surveillance and sanctions enforcement.