Iran offers advanced weapons sales in crypto

Iran is now offering to sell advanced weapons systems to foreign governments in exchange for cryptos. These are ballistic missiles, armed drones and warships. Iran therefore wants to circumvent Western financial controls and maintain its military exports despite sanctions.

An assumed offer to circumvent sanctions

Iran officially accepts cryptocurrency payments for its arms sales. This proposal comes from the Iranian Defense Ministry’s export center, known as Mindex. This is not a leak or a rumor. Indeed, the payment option is displayed in promotional materials intended for foreign buyers.

Iran has for years faced a regime of harsh sanctions imposed on them by the United States and its allies. Traditional banking circuits are locked and it is almost impossible to make payments in dollars. Cryptos therefore offer a functional exit door, even if imperfect.

This choice is not ideological, but it is pragmatic. Cryptos enable rapid, cross-border transfers without going through traditional financial infrastructures. For a state under pressure, it is a tool of economic survival. And now, diplomatic leverage.

The proposed systems are not marginal. The catalogs mention Shahed-type combat drones, already used in several recent conflicts. Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles are also included in the offer. Naval vessels, including corvettes and armed patrol boats, complete the list.

This equipment is mainly of interest to countries already isolated from the international financial system. States under sanctions, or wishing to avoid Western circuits. Iran does not target its direct adversaries. It is aimed at an already existing parallel market.

Crypto as a geopolitical tool

The use of cryptos by States is no longer marginal. Iran has been exploring it for several years, particularly for its imports. The novelty lies in the assumed and public nature of this military offer. These are no longer discreet operations. However, the message is sent openly.

This development worries Western authorities. Indeed, the US Treasury has already sanctioned networks using cryptos to circumvent embargoes. Blockchain leaves traces. But their operation remains complex, especially when transactions pass through intermediaries outside Western jurisdiction.

For Iran, the risk already exists and the sanctions are in place. As a result, the room for maneuver is limited. In this context, using cryptos does not fundamentally worsen the situation. On the contrary, it allows us to maintain an essential strategic activity.

The fact that a state is offering missiles for cryptos changes the overall perception of the sector. Cryptocurrency is no longer just an alternative financial tool. It is already in use as an alternative for the transmission of heritage. It also becomes an instrument of sovereignty for powers under constraints.

DISCLAIMER

The comments and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and should not be considered investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decisions.