Iran to accept crypto payments for overseas weapons sales

Source: Cryptonews Original Title: Iran to accept crypto payments for overseas weapons sales Original Link: https://crypto.news/iran-accepts-crypto-for-weapons-sales-2026/ Iran’s state arms exporter is open to crypto payments for military sales. The policy aims to bypass US and European financial sanctions.

State Defense Exporter Opens Door to Crypto-Based Arms Deals

According to a January 1 report, Iran’s Ministry of Defence Export Center (Mindex) has introduced payment terms that allow military contracts to be settled in digital currencies, alongside barter arrangements and Iranian rials. Promotional documents show the policy has been in place for roughly the past year.

Mindex is a state-run body responsible for Iran’s overseas arms sales and claims to have client relationships with 35 countries. Its catalogue includes ballistic missiles, drones, warships, short-range air defence systems, as well as small arms, rockets, and anti-ship cruise missiles.

Prospective buyers are guided through an online portal and a virtual chatbot. A frequently asked questions section directly addresses sanctions risk, stating that Iran’s policies on “circumventing sanctions” ensure contracts can be executed and goods delivered.

Sanctions Pressure Drives Alternative Payment Channels

The willingness to accept cryptocurrency marks one of the first publicly known cases of a nation-state openly offering strategic military hardware in exchange for digital assets. Western officials have warned that parties using conventional finance to transact with Iran risk being cut off from U.S., EU, and U.K. financial systems.

U.S. authorities have previously accused Iran of using cryptocurrencies to facilitate oil sales and move large sums outside formal banking rails. In September, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned individuals linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for running a crypto-based “shadow banking” network.

The disclosure comes as Western powers increase pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme. In 2024, Iran ranked 18th globally in major arms exports, and analysts have noted Tehran’s growing role as Russia’s export capacity shrinks following the Ukraine invasion.

A Growing Domestic Crypto Footprint

Iran’s domestic cryptocurrency activity is still growing despite sanctions. An estimated 5 million Iranians are now active traders, and inbound cryptocurrency volumes increased 11.8% year-over-year in 2025. There are several local exchanges in the country.

A major exchange hack in June 2025 was a significant setback, but it didn’t stop adoption, showing how embedded digital assets are in Iran’s sanctioned economy.