Iranian Protests Drive Bitcoin Adoption as Rial Devalues Over 1000%
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Protests Shift Financial Behaviors: Since the protests began on December 28, 2025, Iranians have increasingly transferred Bitcoin into personal wallets due to the rial's devaluation, with data indicating a significant uptick in these transfers during the protest period, reflecting a pressing need for wealth preservation.
- Surge in Bitcoin Transfers: Between the onset of protests and the internet blackout, there was a marked increase in transfers from local crypto exchanges to personal Bitcoin wallets, with Chainalysis reporting a significant rise in personal custody of Bitcoin compared to pre-protest levels, highlighting a desire for direct asset control.
- Rial Devaluation Drives Bitcoin Demand: By the end of December 2025, the Iranian rial's official exchange rate surged from 42 to over 1,050, drastically undermining purchasing power and making Bitcoin an attractive savings instrument, with Chainalysis describing it as a rational hedging method for Iranians.
- IRGC's Crypto Transactions: Chainalysis noted that wallets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accounted for over 50% of Iran's total crypto transaction value in Q4 2025, executing over $3 billion in blockchain transactions, indicating widespread use of cryptocurrencies at a national level.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
