Bitcoin market research warned that BTC faced another bear market in 2026 if 
it was unable to reclaim its yearly moving average.

Bitcoin copying 2022 ‘bear market rally’ despite 21% BTC price gains

Belarus&#8217;s move to integrate cryptobanks may boost its fintech sector, 
attracting global investments and enhancing its digital economy.
The post Belarusian President signs order establishing framework for crypto 
banking appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Belarusian President signs order establishing framework for crypto banking

As Iran’s economy continues to strain under heavy sanctions, high inflation, 
and a weakening currency, many citizens are turning to crypto as an 
alternative financial lifeline. Related Reading: Bitcoin Tailwind: Cathie Wood 
Sees ‘Reaganomics On Steroids’ Ahead Recent blockchain data shows a sharp rise 
in Bitcoin withdrawals and transfers to personal wallets, particularly during 
periods of unrest and internet restrictions. For many Iranians, digital assets 
now serve both as a hedge against currency collapse and a way to move funds 
beyond government-controlled systems. The Iranian rial has lost around 90% of 
its value against the U.S. dollar since 2018, while inflation has hovered 
between 40% and 50%. In response, crypto usage has grown steadily, with Iran’s 
total cryptocurrency activity reaching an estimated $7.78 billion in 2025, 
according to Chainalysis. BTC&#8217;s price trends sideways on the daily chart. 
Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview Bitcoin Use Rises During Protests and Internet 
Blackouts Crypto activity surged during mass protests that began in late 
December 2025, triggered by rising living costs and currency devaluation. As 
demonstrations spread, authorities imposed internet shutdowns and tightened 
financial controls. During this period, blockchain data showed higher average 
daily transaction values and a notable increase in transfers from Iranian 
exchanges to self-custodied Bitcoin wallets. Smaller withdrawals, often 
associated with individual users, recorded some of the strongest growth. 
Medium and large transfers also increased, suggesting that both households and 
businesses were seeking to move funds out of local platforms. Bitcoin’s appeal 
lies in its ability to be stored and transferred without relying on domestic 
banks or state oversight. For Iranians facing restrictions on access to cash, 
foreign currency, or international transfers, crypto offers a way to preserve 
value and maintain some financial mobility. Crypto’s Dual Role: Citizens and 
State Actors While ordinary Iranians are using cryptocurrencies to protect 
savings, state-linked actors are also active in the digital asset space. 
Wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 
accounted for more than half of the country’s crypto transaction value in the 
final quarter of 2025. These wallets received over $3 billion during the year, 
up from around $2 billion in 2024. Western authorities believe the IRGC uses 
cryptocurrencies to bypass sanctions, move funds across borders, and support 
regional operations. Chainalysis notes that these figures likely underestimate 
the true scale, as many affiliated wallets and networks remain unidentified. 
At the same time, spikes in Iranian crypto activity have closely followed 
major political and security events, including the Kerman bombings in 2024, 
missile strikes in October 2024, and a 12-day conflict in June 2025 that 
disrupted Iran’s largest crypto exchange and a major state bank. A Growing 
Dependence on Digital Assets For many Iranians, cryptos have become more than 
a speculative asset. They are increasingly used as a tool for financial 
survival in an economy marked by inflation, sanctions, and limited access to 
global markets. Bitcoin’s censorship resistance and portability make it 
especially attractive during periods of unrest or capital controls. Related 
Reading: XRP In A ‘Super Cycle’? SuperTrend Suggests Another Story As economic 
pressures persist and geopolitical tensions remain high, blockchain analysts 
expect crypto usage in Iran to continue rising. Whether as a means of 
preserving personal wealth or navigating sanctions, digital assets are now a 
central part of Iran’s financial landscape. Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD 
chart from Tradingview

Iranians Turn to Crypto as Economic Crisis and Sanctions Deepen

Chain-abstraction stablecoin system River (RIVER) has quietly done more than a 
10x since Christmas Day, outperforming the digital asset markets. RIVER 
Reaches a $3.8 Billion FDV After Suddenly Exploding Into New Year River, 
launched in September of last year, is a chain abstraction system that is 
powered by the omni-CDP stablecoin satUSD, which users can […]

Arthur Hayes-Backed RIVER Coin Skyrockets 1,200% in Three Weeks

While protecting the integrity of the term “stablecoin” may seem pedantic, it 
is a foundational step in establishing trust, clarity, and transparency.

Cryptocurrency price in GBP