Odaily Planet Daily reports that Iran is gradually relaxing foreign exchange controls and tacitly permitting businesses to use Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin for cross-border transactions. According to informed sources, Iran’s central bank has in recent months encouraged enterprises to repatriate overseas funds through local cryptocurrency exchanges and other means, while also allowing businesses to exchange foreign currency on open markets and directly use export revenues to import goods. A corporate executive close to the Iranian regime stated that the central bank currently does not inquire into the methods of fund transfers, and using cryptocurrencies to receive export payments has become standard practice. Data shows that approximately $10 billion in cryptocurrency flowed through Iran in 2025; blockchain analysis firm Elliptic estimates that Iran accounts for about 4.5% of global Bitcoin mining activity. Over $100 billion in unreported overseas and domestic earnings remain undeclared within Iran, and more than 20,000 individuals and businesses have failed to fulfill their obligation to repatriate approximately €94 billion in export revenues. Tether previously froze approximately $344 million in wallet assets linked to Iran’s central bank, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury has warned that engaging in digital asset transactions with Iran may carry sanctions risk.
Approximately $10 billion in cryptocurrency flows through Iran as companies use USDT and Bitcoin for cross-border transactions.
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Summary
In 2025, liquidity and crypto markets in Iran saw approximately $10 billion in flows, as companies increasingly use USDT and Bitcoin for cross-border trade. The Iranian Central Bank has reportedly ceased scrutinizing fund transfer methods, enabling firms to repatriate funds through domestic exchanges. Exporters now routinely receive payments in cryptocurrency, bypassing traditional financial channels. Elliptic estimates that Iran accounts for 4.5% of global Bitcoin mining. Meanwhile, MiCA regulations in the EU could impact the monitoring of cross-border crypto transactions, particularly as sanctions risks persist. Over $100 billion in unreported earnings remain overseas, with Tether having frozen $344 million linked to the central bank.
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