Iran Eases Forex Controls to Allow Crypto for Cross-Border Trade

The Central Bank of Iran has begun allowing exporters to use cryptocurrencies, including Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin (BTC), for cross-border trade settlements. This move, reported by the Financial Times, aims to bypass U.S. sanctions and facilitate capital repatriation. Data from TRM Labs indicates that nearly $10 billion in crypto assets flowed through Iran in 2025, as the nation increasingly adopts digital assets as a structural alternative to the global payment system.