Iran Turns to Crypto Amid Collapsing Economy, Protests
Iran's crypto ecosystem reached $7.78 billion as citizens used Bitcoin to preserve value during widespread economic protests.Summary
According to Chainalysis, Iran's cryptocurrency ecosystem reached $7.78 billion in 2025, with usage surging amid mass protests that began over the collapsing Iranian rial. Citizens are withdrawing Bitcoin to personal wallets at a high rate, viewing it as a rational response to the rial losing nearly all its value. Bitcoin is serving as an element of resistance, offering censorship-resistant financial flexibility when the government restricts traditional channels. Furthermore, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is heavily involved, accounting for half of the total crypto ecosystem activity in Q4 2025. Chainalysis suggests that as sanctions and economic volatility continue, cryptocurrency will remain a crucial tool for Iranians seeking financial sovereignty.
(Source：Cointelegraph)