For Iranian citizens living under a government struggling to maintain economic stability amid inflation rates of 40-50%, cryptocurrency represents not just a sanctions workaround but a way to opt out of a failing system controlled by an increasingly desperate regime. Notably, it is not just ordinary Iranians who have turned to crypto—the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has extensively leveraged digital assets to finance its malign activities both domestically and through its network of proxy networks across the Middle East.

BTC’s role during this crisis extends beyond mere capital preservation. For many Iranians, cryptocurrency has become an element of resistance, providing liquidity and optionality in an increasingly restricted economic environment. Unlike traditional assets that are illiquid and often subject to government control, BTC’s censorship-resistant and self-custodial nature offers financial flexibility — particularly valuable in a situation where individuals may need to flee or operate outside government-controlled financial channels. This pattern of increased BTC withdrawals during times of heightened instability reflects a global trend we’ve observed in other regions experiencing war, economic turmoil, or government crackdowns.

Resistance money in action