Crypto outflows from Iranian exchanges spiked to $10.3 million, underscoring cryptocurrencies’ role as financial safe havens during geopolitical crises.
Between February 28 and March 2, crypto outflows from Iranian exchanges surged to $10.3 million in the wake of US-Israeli airstrikes.
Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, witnessed a striking 700% rise in outgoing transaction volumes immediately after the airstrikes, as reported by Elliptic. This surge reflects the growing trend of utilizing cryptocurrencies as a financial refuge during periods of instability.
Iran’s crypto ecosystem was valued at $7.8 billion in 2025, with significant activity often linked to geopolitical events, according to Chainalysis. This pattern of on-chain spikes around major shocks, such as the Kerman bombings in early 2024 and direct clashes with Israel in 2024–2025, underscores the correlation between geopolitical crises and crypto market fluctuations.
The recent airstrikes are not the first event to trigger substantial crypto movements within Iran. During a January 8 internet blackout, Bitcoin withdrawals surged before flatlining, only to resume once connectivity was restored. This behavior suggests robust demand for decentralized financial solutions when traditional infrastructure falters.
This article was generated with the assistance of AI workflows.