Iran is relaxing foreign exchange controls, allowing companies to use digital assets such as Bitcoin and USDT for settlement in cross-border trade. This comes amid ongoing U.S. sanctions, which have restricted traditional international payment channels, making it more difficult for companies to complete payments and receipts through banks.

Enterprises can directly use it for trade settlement.

Reports indicate that the Iranian Central Bank has relaxed some foreign exchange restrictions. Exporters can bring their overseas earnings back to the country through local cryptocurrency exchanges. Enterprises can also directly use the proceeds from exports to pay for imported raw materials and goods, without having to go through the government-led foreign exchange conversion system first.

This means that import and export companies have gained greater flexibility in the allocation of funds. For businesses that find it difficult to use correspondent banks and international banking networks, crypto assets provide an alternative settlement channel.

USDT or become a more commonly used tool

Against the backdrop of the continuous depreciation of Iran's local currency, stablecoins pegged to the US dollar may be more popular among traders. Reports mention that the exchange rate of the Iranian rial against the US dollar in the open market has fallen below 1 US dollar to 2 million rials, and inflation is also at a high level.

Compared to holding the local currency, stablecoins like USDT are more convenient for preserving and settling value, and are also more suitable for short-term cross-border payments. In addition to stablecoins, Bitcoin is also included in the list of usable options.

• In 2025, approximately $10 billion in crypto assets are expected to flow through Iran.
• Elliptic It is estimated that Iran accounts for about 4.5% of global Bitcoin mining.
• Available assets include Bitcoin, USDT, and other digital assets.

The United States has set its sights on the relevant channels.

However, this approach may also lead to greater regulatory pressure. Reports mention that the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that digital assets could become one of the next targets for the United States to use in exerting pressure on Iran.

In June this year, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex, accusing it of assisting in circumventing sanctions. As more Iranian companies turn to cryptocurrency settlements, the external audit risks faced by related exchanges, banks, and intermediary institutions may also increase.