Cryptocurrencies are becoming more than just an investment in Iran. At a time of mass protests and economic instability, they are becoming a tool for survival and, according to analysts, even resistance for millions of people. New data from Chainalysis shows that the Iranian cryptocurrency ecosystem grew to $7.78 billion in 2025, with its growth rate accelerating significantly during the social unrest.
Protests in Iran began in late December after the Iranian rial fell to historic lows against the US dollar. The demonstrations quickly spread across the country. The regime responded, among other things, by restricting access to the internet, with international human rights organizations warning of the use of lethal force against protesters.
In this environment, Iranians began to turn to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in large numbers as a way to protect the value of their savings and gain at least partial financial independence. Chainalysis reports that during the protests, the number of daily crypto transactions and the volume of funds transferred increased significantly.
According to analysts, the most telling sign is the sharp increase in withdrawals from Iranian crypto exchanges to “unassigned” personal Bitcoin wallets. In other words, people are increasingly transferring cryptocurrencies under their own control.
“This increase suggests that Iranians are taking ownership of Bitcoin much faster during the protests than before,” Chainalysis reports.
Read also: IBIT investors are losing money
Bitcoin as an “element of resistance”
According to analysts, Bitcoin’s role in Iran is not limited to preserving value. It is also becoming an “element of resistance.” In an environment where the state controls the banking system and traditional assets are often illiquid or easily confiscated, cryptocurrencies offer a different kind of freedom.
“Unlike traditional assets, which are illiquid and often subject to state control, Bitcoin provides financial flexibility thanks to its resistance to censorship and self-management capabilities. This is especially valuable in situations where individuals may need to flee or operate outside of government-controlled financial channels,” writes Chainalysis.
Analysts observe a similar pattern in other regions of the world facing war, economic collapse, or state repression. In times of instability, the number of Bitcoin withdrawals to personal wallets increases.
An interesting paradox is that cryptocurrencies are not only used by ordinary citizens. The Iranian government, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has itself become a major player in the crypto world. In the fourth quarter of 2025, activities related to the IRGC accounted for roughly half of Iran’s entire cryptocurrency ecosystem. Addresses linked to the Guard received more than $3 billion last year.
You may also like: Millionero review
Millions of users and billions in flows
According to TRM Labs, approximately $3.7 billion in cryptocurrencies flowed through Iran between January and July 2025. At the same time, it is estimated that around seven million people out of a total population of 92 million use cryptocurrencies in the country. These data are based on statistics from the Statista platform.
Chainalysis expects that the importance of cryptocurrencies in Iran will not disappear anytime soon. On the contrary.
“As sanctions pressure and international isolation increase and economic volatility persists, cryptocurrencies are likely to remain a key tool for Iranians seeking financial sovereignty,” the team of analysts concludes.
Don’t miss out: FX Junction
Sources:
https://www.statista.com/outlook/fmo/digital-assets/cryptocurrencies/iran
