The Islamic Republic of Iran is gearing up to implement cryptocurrencies as a payment method for arms exports, with plans set for 2025. This strategic move comes in response to ongoing international sanctions that have targeted its economic activities.
According to recently analyzed documents from Iran”s Ministry of Defense, the initiative is spearheaded by the Export Center known as Mindex. The goal is to diminish reliance on traditional financial systems, particularly the U.S. dollar, in light of restrictive measures imposed by the United States and European nations.
In addition to utilizing the Iranian rial and barter agreements, Mindex contracts are now considering settlement in “digital currencies.” This shift aims to mitigate the financial repercussions of international sanctions and has been specifically noted for potential use in transactions involving strategic military equipment.
These documents indicate that the proposed system would grant clients access to an online platform showcasing a catalog of military products, including Emad missiles, Shahed drones, Shahid Soleimani-class ships, and short-range air defense systems. The platform is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring a chatbot and a dedicated section addressing inquiries related to sanctions, assuring users that contract execution is feasible “without issues,” even amid restrictions.
The U.S. Treasury has raised alarms regarding Iranian networks utilizing shell companies and cryptocurrencies to facilitate transactions related to military and governmental interests. Washington contends that by leveraging cryptocurrencies, Iran complicates the enforcement of sanctions by operating outside traditional banking systems that rely on dollar transactions and international banks.
This initiative occurs as the U.S. intensifies efforts against networks involved in arms proliferation. In September 2025, the Treasury Department had already highlighted a “parallel banking system” laundering money through cryptocurrencies. By the end of December, new sanctions were imposed on individuals linked to drone trade between Iran and Venezuela.
According to U.S. Treasury Undersecretary John K. Hurley, the United States will continue to act against facilitators of Iran”s military-industrial complex, focusing on disrupting any access to the U.S. financial system.
