Iranian Rial Collapses to Record Low as Crypto Use Surges

The Iranian rial has fallen to a historic low of approximately 1.63 million per U.S. dollar as of February 19, 2026, marking a dramatic deterioration in the country’s currency stability.

Over the past 12 months, the rial has lost roughly 75% of its value, deepening an economic crisis that analysts compare to Lebanon’s 2019 banking collapse.

Echoes of the Lebanese Crisis

Observers note striking similarities between Iran’s current monetary turmoil and Lebanon’s financial breakdown. Access to hard currency through formal banking channels has become increasingly restricted, pushing citizens to seek alternative means of preserving wealth.

Inflation is estimated to be hovering between 40% and 50%, significantly eroding purchasing power. As confidence in the local currency declines, households are turning to digital assets in what some describe as a “digital flight” to safety.

Just as Lebanon experienced a surge in dollar-backed stablecoin usage during its crisis, Iran has seen expanding participation in crypto markets. Estimates suggest the domestic crypto ecosystem reached between $7.78 billion and $10 billion in 2025.

A Dual Crypto Economy

Iran’s crypto landscape has evolved into two parallel layers.

On one side, middle-class households are reportedly converting savings into Bitcoin and stablecoins to move funds outside traditional banking systems. During waves of protests between late 2025 and early 2026, blockchain data indicated a spike in Bitcoin withdrawals to personal wallets, suggesting capital flight beyond state-controlled channels.

On the other side, reports indicate that state-linked entities have also expanded their crypto activity. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is estimated to account for roughly half of on-chain activity within the country. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Iran is reported to have acquired over $500 million in USDT during 2025, potentially to facilitate cross-border trade amid sanctions.

Broader Social Impact

The currency collapse has triggered tangible economic strain. Staple goods such as meat and cooking oil have become increasingly unaffordable for many households. Economic pressure has also fueled outward migration, with tens of thousands of students and thousands of healthcare workers reportedly leaving annually.

Protests intensified after the rial crossed the 1.4 million threshold in late 2025, and unrest has continued into early 2026. The trajectory suggests a prolonged period of economic and social instability as the currency crisis deepens.

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