Iran Turns to Cryptocurrency for Weapons Sales Amid Economic Crisis
Iran is leveraging cryptocurrency to facilitate international arms deals as sanctions and hyperinflation cripple its economy. The Ministry of Defense's export agency, Mindex, now accepts crypto payments alongside barter arrangements for advanced weapons systems. This pivot underscores Tehran's desperation to bypass financial isolation.
The rial's collapse to record lows against the dollar has intensified domestic unrest, forcing the government to explore unorthodox trade channels. Cryptocurrency provides plausible deniability for transactions with sanctioned states while mitigating currency risk.
Observers note Iran's crypto infrastructure—developed during years of sanctions—positions it to execute high-value trades discreetly. The move may accelerate adoption among other pariah states seeking financial workarounds.
