Iran Explores Crypto Payments for Arms Trade Amid Sanctions
Iran's Ministry of Defence Export Center (Mindex) is now openly accepting cryptocurrency as payment for military hardware, including drones, ballistic missiles, and naval vessels. The move, reported in January 2026, marks a shift from previous discreet uses of digital assets to circumvent banking restrictions.
Listings on Mindex's platform invite negotiations in cryptocurrency, Iranian rial, or barter—a clear adaptation to U.S., UK, and EU sanctions that have blocked traditional payment channels. The agency claims commercial ties with 35 countries, underscoring the global reach of Iran's arms exports despite financial isolation.
Cryptocurrencies are increasingly integral to Iran's cross-border trade strategies, offering a workaround for revenue streams constrained by international pressure. The development highlights both the adaptability of crypto in geopolitically constrained economies and its potential risks in enabling opaque transactions.