Iran has moved to open a new financial channel under sanctions by signaling that it is ready to accept cryptocurrency payments in weapons exports.
According to the Financial Times, the Ministry of Defence Export Center (Mindex), which operates under Iran’s Ministry of Defense, stated that it is open to negotiating military export contracts using cryptocurrencies, barter arrangements, and Iranian rials. First raised in 2025, the move stands out as one of the rare cases in which a nation state has publicly indicated readiness to accept crypto payments for arms sales.
Mindex, a state run defense exporter, reportedly maintains client relationships with 35 countries. Its official materials showcase a broad range of products, including missiles, rockets, ammunition, and military grade hovercrafts.
Western sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have targeted Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, energy sector, and access to global banking networks. As pressure persists, Tehran has increasingly turned to barter trade and digital assets, with Mindex arguing that sanctions do not prevent contract execution and align with Iran’s broader policies aimed at bypassing economic restrictions.
