Iran Turns to Crypto for Export Payments Amid Sanctions

The Central Bank of Iran has relaxed foreign exchange controls and allowed businesses to use cryptocurrencies for export payments, seeking alternatives to traditional banking channels restricted by U.S. sanctions.

USDT is reportedly the most commonly used cryptocurrency for Iranian cross-border commercial payments, with approximately $9.9 billion in volume attributed to Iran during 2025, according to TRM Labs.

The easing of foreign exchange controls reduces exporters' reliance on Iran's official foreign-exchange system, which has traditionally required companies to return foreign earnings through state-supervised channels at below-market exchange rates.