In 2025, transactions on Iranian cryptocurrency trading platforms have diminished due to a collapse in nuclear discussions with Israel, a $90 million breach on Iran’s largest crypto exchange, and a significant stablecoin banning, according to blockchain analytics company TRM Labs.
Crypto transactions in Iran reached $3.7 billion from January to July, an 11% reduction compared to the same timeframe last year, with the sharpest decline occurring in June and July, TRM Labs commented in a report released on Tuesday.
“This decline coincided with a failure in nuclear discussions, a 12-day conflict with Israel commencing June 13, and widespread electricity shortages in Iran — caused by a mix of Israeli kinetic and cyber actions, along with government-initiated power outages.”
Iran’s crypto transactions began to significantly decrease in June, immediately following the $90 million breach on Nobitex, which processes 87% of the nation’s crypto dealings.
Numerous Iranians depend on US dollar stablecoins as a safeguard of value amidst soaring inflation and to navigate strict sanctions that have largely isolated the country from the international market.
Impact of Nobitex hack on Iran’s crypto landscape
Trust in Iran-operated virtual asset service providers (VASPs) weakened following the security breach of Nobitex, orchestrated by the pro-Israel organization Predatory Sparrow on June 18 — a time when tensions between Iran and Israel were heightened.
Even though Nobitex continues to lead in Iran’s crypto transaction volume, the event disrupted liquidity, delayed transaction processing, and temporarily shifted users to other platforms, TRM reported.
Heightened tensions between Iran and Israel further intensified the outflows, which surged by over 150% in the most critical week, with a substantial portion of that volume directed toward high-risk foreign exchanges that have minimal to no Know Your Customer protocols, TRM noted.
Tether’s blacklisting hindered flows
Stablecoin provider Tether also executed its most extensive freeze of Iranian-associated funds, blacklisting 42 crypto addresses containing Tether (USDT) balances on July 2.
This event prompted a coordinated effort from Iranian exchanges, influencers, and state-approved channels, encouraging users to liquidate their TRON-based USDT holdings — Iran’s most prevalent network and token — and transfer assets into Dai (DAI) on Polygon.
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A significant number of ordinary Iranians persist in opting for cryptocurrencies as a protection against inflation, TRM highlighted, emphasizing Iran’s heavy dependency on stablecoins.
Iran continues utilizing crypto for strategic purposes
Iran is still leveraging cryptocurrencies to acquire sensitive products from Chinese chip suppliers, including components essential for artificial intelligence, drone parts, and other electronic devices — thus enabling it to effectively evade sanctions, TRM pointed out.
The nation has also deployed cryptocurrencies to finance espionage payments to foreign agents, as noted by the crypto analytics firm.
However, illicit cryptocurrency dealings in Iran still comprise less than 1% of the total volume.
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