Iran Plans to Accept Cryptocurrency for Weapon Transactions to Evade Sanctions

BlockBeats News, January 2nd, according to the Financial Times, Iran is considering accepting cryptocurrency for payment in advanced weapon exports such as ballistic missiles and warships to bypass Western sanctions. Iran's Ministry of Defense Export Center (Mindex) stated that they are willing to negotiate using various payment methods, including digital currency, barter, and the Iranian Rial.
This policy was first proposed as early as 2025 and is seen as one of the first publicly known cases of a country accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method for weapon exports.

As a state-owned arms trade organization, Mindex claims to have customer relations with 35 countries, with its official website showcasing products such as missiles, rockets, ammunition, and hovercraft.

Against the backdrop of the U.S., UK, and EU continuously strengthening sanctions on Iran's nuclear and missile programs, energy exports, and access to the international financial system, Iran is increasingly relying on cryptocurrency and barter trade. The U.S. Treasury Department revealed last year that two Iranian citizens assisted in processing over $100 million in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies between 2023 and 2025 for Iran's oil sales, which was considered part of its "shadow financial network."

On its official website, Mindex stated that due to Iran's overall policy of circumventing sanctions, "there are no issues with contract execution," and they promise to deliver the relevant products as soon as possible.