Iran's Central Bank Tolerates Cryptocurrency Use for Export Payments Amid Sanctions

Iran's central bank has quietly eased foreign-exchange controls and tolerated cryptocurrency use for export payments, according to a report by the Financial Times. This shift in policy is due to U.S. sanctions blocking Iranian businesses' access to conventional banking channels.

USDT is reportedly the most widely used cryptocurrency for cross-border commercial payments in Iran, with over $9.9 billion in cryptocurrency volume attributed to the country during 2025 by TRM Labs.

The reported policy shift includes allowing exporters to repatriate overseas funds through domestic cryptocurrency exchanges and converting foreign currency through open markets or using export revenue directly to purchase imports.

However, Iranian crypto transactions remain exposed to U.S. sanctions, which can block digital asset exchanges and impose penalties on foreign counterparties.