Bitcoin in Iran: Locals Turn to Crypto Amid Rial Collapse

Iranians are adopting Bitcoin to protect their savings.
The rial has lost over 90% of its value since 2018.
U.S. sanctions drive demand for decentralized money.

As the Iranian rial continues its steep decline, more locals are looking to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for financial security. According to travel YouTuber Luke Damant, many Iranians see Bitcoin as a safe haven amid economic turmoil. Since 2018, the rial has lost more than 90% of its value, leaving citizens desperate for alternatives.

With inflation soaring and the local currency rapidly losing its purchasing power, crypto has become an appealing option for everyday people. Bitcoin, often dubbed “Freedom Money,” offers a decentralized store of value that isn’t controlled by any government or central bank—an attractive proposition in a country facing international sanctions and internal economic mismanagement.

Sanctions, Inflation, and a Failing Currency

The U.S. sanctions on Iran have heavily impacted its economy, restricting access to the global financial system. Banks struggle to operate internationally, and basic financial services are limited. This has led to a rise in peer-to-peer crypto trading among Iranians, who now use platforms and informal networks to buy and sell Bitcoin.

In a recent video, Luke Damant highlighted how many locals are not only aware of Bitcoin but actively using it to protect their wealth. Unlike fiat currencies, Bitcoin cannot be printed or devalued by governments, which makes it increasingly attractive in volatile economies like Iran’s.

JUST IN: Locals in Iran are turning to Bitcoin and crypto amidst a collapsing rial and U.S. sanctions, per YouTuber Luke Damant.

The rial is down more than 90% since 2018.

Bitcoin = Freedom Money pic.twitter.com/RE2jK4LeSx
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) September 14, 2025

Bitcoin as a Tool for Economic Freedom

For Iranians, crypto represents more than just a financial investment—it’s a form of resistance and survival. In the face of crushing inflation and sanctions, Bitcoin offers access to a global financial system that doesn’t discriminate based on geography or politics.

While Iran’s government has had a complicated relationship with crypto, including regulating mining and banning exchanges at times, the people continue to find ways to access it. For many, it’s no longer about profit but about preserving value and ensuring financial freedom.