Iran’s Crypto Economy Surges to $7.78B Amid Currency Collapse and Geopolitical Turmoil

Iran's cryptocurrency market capitalization reached $7.78 billion in 2025 as citizens increasingly turned to digital assets amid hyperinflation and geopolitical instability. Chainalysis data reveals transaction spikes correlated with major events: the January 2024 Kerman bombings, October 2024 missile strikes on Israel, and a 12-day shadow conflict escalation in June 2025.

The rial's 90% devaluation since 2018 and persistent 40-50% inflation have transformed crypto from speculative vehicles into critical financial infrastructure. Nobitex, Iran's largest exchange, and state-owned Bank Sepah faced cyberattacks during June 2025 protests, coinciding with record on-chain activity.

Notably, IRGC-linked addresses now dominate over 50% of Iran's quarterly crypto volume—a strategic shift as Western sanctions cripple traditional finance channels. This military-economic complex increasingly leverages blockchain networks to circumvent financial isolation.