Iran's Cryptocurrency Use to Evade Sanctions Intensifies Amid Crisis

• •Iran is leveraging cryptocurrencies to circumvent international sanctions.
• •Over $10 million in crypto was moved from Iranian exchanges during a recent crisis.
• •Wallets linked to the Revolutionary Guards received over $3 billion in crypto last year.

Iran is reportedly using cryptocurrencies to bypass international sanctions, particularly benefiting its Revolutionary Guards and civilians facing inflation. Between February 28 and March 2, over $10 million worth of cryptocurrencies was transferred from Iranian exchanges, coinciding with the onset of Israeli-US airstrikes. Experts suggest this surge indicates involvement from regime actors, driven by fears of additional sanctions or cyberattacks. In 2025, hackers linked to Israel stole $90 million from the Iranian cryptocurrency platform Nobitex. Chainalysis reports that wallets associated with the Revolutionary Guards received over $3 billion in cryptocurrencies last year, indicating a significant flow of funds. The Financial Times noted that Iran has offered advanced weapons for sale using cryptocurrencies, contributing to a shadow banking system. Civilians are increasingly turning to Bitcoin as a means of securing their savings against inflation, which is nearing 50%. The situation reflects a complex interplay of state and civilian cryptocurrency use amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.