Cryptocurrency trading is expanding in Iran and Syria despite, and in some cases because of, ongoing economic and political instability. While Iran’s digital asset ecosystem has surged to $7.78 billion in 2025, Syria has recently gained full access to the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, following a U.S. Policy shift.
Iran’s Crypto Economy Booms Amidst Crisis
Iran’s cryptocurrency activity reached approximately $7.78 billion in , according to a report by blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, fueled by economic instability, a collapsing currency, and a desire to circumvent international sanctions. The surge in activity corresponded with several major events, including the Kerman bombings, Iran’s missile strikes against Israel in , and the .
The Chainalysis report suggests that cryptocurrency is becoming a “critical financial alternative” for Iranians facing inflation rates of 40-50%. It’s not merely a workaround for sanctions, but a means for citizens to “opt out of a failing system.” Iran has been under various sanctions since , with enhanced sanctions imposed between and due to its nuclear program. Further U.S. Sanctions targeting Iran’s finance and banking sectors were extended in and .
Recent activity also reveals the Central Bank of Iran purchasing significant amounts of Tether’s USDT, reportedly to manipulate foreign exchange markets and support the Iranian rial. This highlights the potential for cryptocurrencies to be used as economic weapons in times of national financial crisis.
U.S. Scrutiny and Sanctions
Despite the growth of Iran’s crypto ecosystem, the U.S. Treasury Department is increasing its scrutiny and regulatory measures. In a recent move, the Treasury sanctioned two UK-registered crypto exchanges, Zedcex and Zedxion, alleging links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Zedxion alone reportedly processed over $94 billion in transactions. This marks the first time the U.S. Has sanctioned entire cryptocurrency exchange entities under Iran-specific financial sanctions authorities, previously focusing on individuals or specific wallets.
Binance Expands Access to Syria
On , Binance announced it would allow users in Syria to trade cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, on its platform. This decision followed the U.S. Lifting of sanctions against Syria the previous month, after an Islamist-led government took power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in . Binance stated that Syrians would have full access to its offerings, encompassing over 300 cryptocurrency tokens and stablecoins, and that the Syrian pound could be used to buy and sell cryptocurrencies on the exchange.
The U.S. President reportedly made the decision to lift sanctions at the behest of Saudi Arabia, a leading advocate for the removal of those sanctions. Syria’s new leaders have stated their intention to rapidly improve public services, including internet connectivity, after 14 years of civil war and decades of Western sanctions.
Broader Implications
The developments in both Iran and Syria demonstrate the growing role of cryptocurrency in countries facing economic hardship and political isolation. While offering potential benefits for citizens seeking alternatives to traditional financial systems, the increased activity also raises concerns about illicit finance and the potential for sanctions evasion. The U.S. Government’s response, through direct sanctions against exchanges, signals a more aggressive approach to regulating the intersection of cryptocurrency and geopolitical risk. The estimated $8-10 billion in crypto transaction volumes in Iran, as noted by a blockchain researcher, underscores the scale of this emerging market and the challenges facing regulators.
The situation highlights a broader trend: as traditional financial channels become restricted, individuals and even governments are increasingly turning to decentralized alternatives like cryptocurrency. This trend is likely to continue, prompting further regulatory scrutiny and potentially shaping the future of international finance.
