worldcoinindex.com
The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly examining whether the cryptocurrency exchange Binance was used as a channel to bypass American sanctions on Iran, with investigators focusing on more than $1 billion in digital asset transfers believed to be linked to networks supporting militant groups aligned with Tehran.
According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, the inquiry centers on transactions that allegedly passed through Binance and reached entities connected to organizations such as Yemen’s Houthi movement. The information cited includes internal company materials and accounts from individuals familiar with the matter.
The investigation reportedly comes after an internal probe within Binance—previously examining crypto flows tied to the suspected network—was shut down. The move has added another layer of scrutiny to the world’s largest crypto exchange and its exposure to potentially sanctioned activity.
Binance has strongly rejected related allegations. Earlier this week, the company disputed claims tied to a U.S. Senate inquiry led by Richard Blumenthal, arguing that the investigation relied on reporting the firm says is inaccurate.
Legal challenges connected to the allegations have also faced setbacks. A federal judge recently dismissed a lawsuit accusing Binance of facilitating terrorism financing through cryptocurrency transactions, although the ruling left the door open for plaintiffs to revise and refile their claims.
The exchange has also denied reports suggesting it removed or dismissed staff involved in investigating Iranian-linked crypto transfers, maintaining that such accounts are incorrect.
The renewed attention comes as policymakers and analysts increasingly examine how Iran may be using digital assets to reduce the impact of international sanctions. Blockchain data firms have observed notable spikes in Iranian crypto activity during periods of geopolitical instability.
For example, researchers at Chainalysis recently reported a surge in crypto outflows from Iran following regional airstrikes connected to ongoing Middle East tensions—patterns that analysts say often appear during crisis periods.
Other research suggests the country’s digital asset ecosystem remains resilient despite declining trading volumes. A study from TRM Labs concluded that Iran has continued building crypto infrastructure that could help it operate outside traditional banking channels.
U.S. authorities have previously targeted crypto platforms and individuals tied to Iranian financial networks, warning that digital assets may provide alternative pathways to circumvent global banking restrictions. The latest inquiry into Binance highlights how regulators are intensifying their focus on the role of cryptocurrency exchanges in sanctions enforcement.