US Probes Crypto Exchanges Over Suspected Iran Sanctions Violations
Cryptocurrency transaction volumes tied to Iran surged to an estimated $8 billion-$10 billion over the past year, according to blockchain researchers. The growth comes as both government-linked entities and retail users increasingly turn to digital assets to circumvent international sanctions.
TRM Labs and Chainalysis data show Iranian crypto activity reached $10 billion in 2023, up from $7.4 billion in 2024. Wallets linked to Iran received a record $7.8 billion in 2025—more than double the $3.17 billion recorded in 2023.
US authorities are now investigating whether undisclosed crypto platforms facilitated prohibited transactions. "The Treasury is actively examining if exchanges enabled sanctioned Iranian organizations to MOVE money offshore," said Ari Redbord of TRM Labs.
