Iran is facing protests, currency crashes, and internet shutdowns, and people are turning to Bitcoin to protect their money. As unrest grew in late December, the rial collapsed—from around 42 rials per USD to over 1,050 rials in a short time—forcing citizens to look for safer alternatives.
During this chaos, blockchain data shows massive withdrawals from Iranian crypto exchanges into personal Bitcoin wallets, especially before the January 8 internet blackout. People no longer trust exchanges and want full control over their assets.
Bitcoin is ideal in this situation because it is decentralized, censorship-resistant, outside government control, and can be moved across borders freely. Analysts say this is not the first time Iranians have turned to crypto during crises—similar patterns appear in wars, economic meltdowns, and government repression.
Interestingly, state-linked groups are also active in the crypto market. In 2025, wallets tied to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard handled over 50% of Iran-sourced crypto, with on-chain transactions surpassing $2 billion and annual volumes near $3 billion. These numbers only include sanctioned addresses, so the real volume may be even higher.
The takeaway: Bitcoin in Iran is no longer just an investment. It has become a safe store of value, a way to bypass censorship, and a tool to protect against sanctions.
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