Statement of the Tehran Electronic Commerce Association on the Sanctions Against Iranian Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Following the sanctioning of four Iranian cryptocurrency exchange platforms by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Electronic Commerce Association (ECA) issued an official statement condemning the action.

According to the Association’s Public Relations department, the statement reads as follows:

Millions of Iranian citizens are active users of cryptocurrency marketplaces—platforms that have strived in recent years to ensure our citizens enjoy equal access to digital economy tools and the borderless world of cryptocurrencies, in alignment with global developments.

At the same time, the development of modern financial technologies stands as one of the most vital pillars of the digital economy and a primary driver of economic growth, job creation, and the retention of elite tech talent within the country.

The sanctioning of four Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges by the U.S. Department of the Treasury is in blatant contradiction with both the foundational philosophy of blockchain and the fundamental rights of ordinary Iranian citizens to access modern technological tools. The core principle of decentralized technologies is freedom and universal access; therefore, such actions directly violate the spirit of the international cryptocurrency community.

Despite structural obstacles and occasionally restrictive regulatory approaches from domestic governing bodies, the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry in Iran has successfully established a secure environment for the daily financial transactions of millions of Iranians. Today, cryptocurrencies serve as an essential tool for preserving asset value and facilitating daily life for millions of citizens. Entangling this innovative ecosystem with diplomatic tensions is an unjust measure that infringes upon the public rights of the Iranian people.

Furthermore, these developments underscore, now more than ever, the urgent need for domestic authorities to fundamentally shift their perspective toward innovative industries. At a time when unjust sanctions are targeting innovation, domestic policymakers are expected to support this immense national capacity rather than imposing regulatory hurdles.

The Electronic Commerce Association firmly condemns the U.S. Treasury’s action in sanctioning private-sector platforms and restricting the rights of Iranian citizens. While maintaining its hope and determination for further development, the Association considers pursuing legal avenues through international channels to lift these sanctions a fundamental right of the industry. The Association will stand firmly alongside its members and the wider community until a just resolution is achieved.