Iran moves to accept crypto payments in weapon sales to evade sanctions: FT

Iran's Ministry of Defence Export Center (Mindex) has indicated a willingness to negotiate military contracts for advanced weapons, including ballistic missiles and warships, that allow payment in digital currencies, barter, or Iranian rials, according to The Financial Times. This move, first noted in 2025, is one of the first public indications of a nation-state accepting crypto for arms exports. This strategy aims to bypass extensive sanctions imposed by Western powers like the U.S., UK, and EU, which target Iran's nuclear programs and access to international banking. Iran has already been using cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions, evidenced by the U.S. Treasury Department identifying individuals who facilitated over $100 million in digital asset purchases for Iranian oil sales between 2023 and 2025.

(Source：The Block)