Iran Eases Currency Rules to Boost Crypto Trade Amid US Sanctions

Iran is loosening its strict foreign exchange rules as U.S. sanctions make normal international payments harder. The new approach allows businesses to use Bitcoin, Tether, and other digital assets for cross-border trade. 

This comes as the U.S. and other nations have frozen or blocked around $1 billion to $1.47 billion in Iranian-linked crypto assets to date.

Iran Is Turning to Bitcoin and USDT

The move comes as Iran faces severe pressure on its currency and access to international finance. The Iranian rial has fallen to more than 2 million per U.S. dollar in the open market, while inflation has climbed sharply.

Traditional correspondent banking channels have also become increasingly difficult to use under U.S. sanctions.

That has pushed crypto into a bigger role. Roughly $10 billion worth of cryptocurrency moved through Iran in 2025, according to on-chain data cited in the reference material.

Iran also accounts for around 4.5% of global Bitcoin mining activity, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic.

Who Benefits Most From Iran’s Easier Crypto Rules?

Iranian exporters and importers are likely to benefit the most. The Central Bank of Iran has eased controls around foreign currency, allowing exporters to bring overseas earnings back through domestic crypto exchanges.