Iran Proposes SCO-Wide Cryptocurrency to Facilitate Trade Amid Western Banking Constraints
Iran has formally proposed the creation of a shared cryptocurrency for member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), aiming to streamline cross-border trade and reduce reliance on Western financial systems. First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref presented the plan at the SCO Heads of Government Summit in Moscow, emphasizing the digital asset's potential to accelerate settlements and enhance transparency.
The initiative targets China, Russia, India, and seven other SCO nations, framing the cryptocurrency as a tool to circumvent global banking delays. Aref concurrently advocated for establishing an SCO Development Bank and upgrading interbank messaging systems to strengthen regional financial infrastructure.