# Rial Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Rial", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Iran’s crypto market spikes 700% after strikes – Is this capital flight or…

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, saw a surge in withdrawals totaling nearly $3 million, raising questions about potential capital flight. However, analysis from TRM Labs suggests this was not mass capital flight but rather a market responding to volatility, connectivity constraints, and regulatory intervention. The Iranian government imposed a 99% internet blackout after the strikes, severely disrupting trading and causing overall transaction volumes to drop by 80%. The spike in withdrawals appears to have been an internal liquidity transfer rather than widespread panic. Despite the Rial trading at historic lows, the data indicates a controlled, state-influenced market under stress rather than uncontrolled capital flight. Crypto remains a relevant, though imperfect, hedge for Iranians amid economic and geopolitical instability.

ambcrypto03/03 17:02

Iran’s crypto market spikes 700% after strikes – Is this capital flight or…

ambcrypto03/03 17:02

Beyond Islamic Doctrine, Iran Needs Bitcoin

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iranians are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and USDT as a safe haven for their assets, seeking protection from the rapid devaluation of the national currency, the rial. Following recent military actions, outflow from Iran’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, surged by 700%, with over $10 million in crypto assets leaving the country in just four days. Iran’s economy, heavily constrained by U.S. sanctions and high inflation, faces persistent currency instability. The rial has plummeted from 32,000 to over 1.5 million per dollar since 2015, driving demand for stable assets. Despite Islamic教义’s restrictions on speculative financial activities, both the public and state entities use crypto for preservation and evasion. The government exhibits a dual stance: tolerating crypto for useful purposes like bypassing sanctions—state-linked groups have moved billions in crypto—while periodically restricting access to protect the rial. Meanwhile, illegal crypto mining consumes significant electricity, worsening national power shortages. Over 95% of mining is unlicensed, often protected by privileged groups, including religious and military sites, straining resources and causing blackouts for ordinary citizens. Cryptocurrency remains a critical, if controversial, lifeline in Iran’s unstable economy.

marsbit03/03 14:41

Beyond Islamic Doctrine, Iran Needs Bitcoin

marsbit03/03 14:41

Iran Turns To USDT, Acquiring $507 Million To Defend Its Currency

Iran's central bank acquired at least $507 million in Tether (USDT) in 2025 to defend its currency, the rial, and evade sanctions, according to blockchain analysis by Elliptic. The funds, a conservative estimate, were used to add dollar-linked liquidity to local crypto markets and support international trade. Transactions were initially routed through Iran's largest exchange, Nobitex, before shifting to cross-chain bridges and decentralized exchanges after increased scrutiny. In June 2025, Tether froze $37 million in USDT from wallets linked to the bank, demonstrating a key vulnerability. This case highlights how state actors use stablecoins to bypass traditional banking restrictions, while creating a public, traceable record of their activities.

bitcoinist01/23 06:12

Iran Turns To USDT, Acquiring $507 Million To Defend Its Currency

bitcoinist01/23 06:12

Inside Iran’s $507mln USDT bet to defend its collapsing currency

Iran's Central Bank (CBI) purchased $507 million in USDT to support the collapsing Rial, using the stablecoin to bypass international sanctions and inject dollar liquidity into the local market via the Nobitex exchange. The strategy initially stabilized the currency, but a major hack in June 2025, in which over $80 million was stolen, undermined these efforts. Tether froze an additional $37 million from CBI wallets. In response, Iran turned to decentralized exchanges, while citizens moved funds into Bitcoin and self-custody wallets amid economic turmoil and protests. The case illustrates both the potential and risks of using crypto to evade sanctions and manage monetary policy.

ambcrypto01/22 18:02

Inside Iran’s $507mln USDT bet to defend its collapsing currency

ambcrypto01/22 18:02

48 Hours to Transfer $1.5 Billion: How Did Iranian Elites Use Cryptocurrency to Bypass U.S. Sanctions?

Iran's leadership reportedly transferred $1.5 billion out of the country using cryptocurrency within 48 hours, including $328 million moved by the son of Supreme Leader Khamenei to Dubai, according to Israeli intelligence. This comes amid escalating U.S. sanctions, domestic protests, and severe economic crisis in Iran, with hyperinflation and currency collapse. Since 2018, Iran has systematically used crypto to evade international sanctions, leveraging energy resources for Bitcoin mining and operating through platforms like Nobitex. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) alone moved around $1 billion via UK-registered exchanges. The surge in crypto-based capital flight has coincided with significant price increases in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero and Dash. Cryptocurrency has become a key financial tool for Iran to bypass traditional banking restrictions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

比推01/16 13:41

48 Hours to Transfer $1.5 Billion: How Did Iranian Elites Use Cryptocurrency to Bypass U.S. Sanctions?

比推01/16 13:41

Iran crisis: As the Rial collapses, can Bitcoin be the country’s lifeline?

As Iran's currency, the Rial, collapses to a record 1.42 million per U.S. dollar, widespread protests and a banking crisis reveal the severe consequences of economic mismanagement. With the state failing to provide stability, Bitcoin emerges as a potential lifeline. Despite Iran's cheap electricity making mining highly profitable, the regime criminalizes it. For Iranians, Bitcoin offers an escape from a failing financial system. Globally, it serves as a hedge against fiat currency debasement. Analysts project a bullish convergence by 2026, driven by reduced BTC issuance and growing institutional demand, potentially driving prices to $170,000–$250,000. The crisis underscores Bitcoin's role as a decentralized alternative to fragile state-controlled currencies.

ambcrypto12/31 07:41

Iran crisis: As the Rial collapses, can Bitcoin be the country’s lifeline?

ambcrypto12/31 07:41

Iran’s Currency Crisis Triggers Protests, CEO Says Bitcoin Offers Exit

Amid Iran's severe currency crisis, the rial plummeted to a record 1.4 million per US dollar, losing over 40% of its purchasing power and triggering widespread protests in Tehran. Demonstrations led to shop closures in major commercial areas, while security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds. Public anger is directed at poor central bank policies, compounded by the resignation of the central bank governor. The banking sector faces extreme stress, with state-owned Bank Melli declaring bankruptcy and eight others at risk of dissolution due to international sanctions and internal mismanagement. Bitcoin is presented by figures like Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley as a potential shelter for Iranians to preserve savings, though strict regulations, unclear self-custody rules, and government crackdowns on unregistered mining limit safe access to cryptocurrencies. Despite cheap electricity for mining, regulatory pressures remain high. Bitcoin's role as a store of value gains attention amid economic collapse, but practical barriers persist.

bitcoinist12/30 16:10

Iran’s Currency Crisis Triggers Protests, CEO Says Bitcoin Offers Exit

bitcoinist12/30 16:10

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