hodler

23 May 2026, 13:56

US-sanctioned Iranian tycoon linked to $850M sanctions evasion operation on Binance

A US-sanctioned Iranian businessman, known to be adept at evading international sanctions, has reportedly been linked to operations using crypto to help Iran finance its armed forces and circumvent sanctions. Babak Zanjani is believed to be involved in processing finances for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). So far, they have carried out about $850 million in crypto transactions on Binance over the past 2 years using a single trading account. According to reports, the account has been operational for at least 15 months. Babak Zanjani tied to major crypto transactions, helping the IRGC According to internal compliance documents obtained from Binance, in addition to blockchain analysis and information from law enforcement officials, these transactions included both deposits and withdrawals. As investigators assessed the potential role of an account in the country’s terrorist financing activities, they found that nearly half of those transactions, worth about $425 million, were for the country’s military. Reports said that Zanjani’s network included accounts held by his sister, girlfriend and company director, and were accessed by sharing devices. The transactions were linked to Zanjani’s crypto business Zedcex, which moved the proceeds from the sale of Iranian oil through banks in Turkey to Binance accounts of its Dubai subsidiary. The transfers were then transferred to other exchanges such as Nobitex in Iran to exchange the funds to rials. Despite several red flags raised by internal investigators, Binance reportedly proceeded with completing these transactions. These included Iranian involvement and connections, as well as access from Tehran. T he main account is still alive. Binance is under investigation for processing Iranian financial transactions despite promised reforms. Further, there have been other instances not covered by the exchange in which Iran’s central bank transferred $107 million via Binance accounts in 2025, while direct transactions with Binance totaled $260 million between 2024 and 2025. How did Babak Zanjani get on the US’s sanction radar? Zanjani initially rose to fame as a sanctions buster through oil transactions that made him rich. In 2013, the United States imposed sanctions on Zanjani for the use of a Malaysian bank in transferring billions of dollars on behalf of the Iranian regime. Sanctions were suspended in 2016 in the wake of the nuclear agreement but reinstated in 2026 following his role in facilitating financial transfers to the IRGC through crypto exchanges, among other actions related to his management of Zedcex. Zanjani was tried in Iran and sentenced to death in 2016 for his embezzlement, a sentence that was overturned in 2024. He remains locked in a legal tussle with the Iranian central bank over unpaid loans. In December, he posted wallet addresses on social media and inadvertently revealed details of a broader sanctions-avoidance framework based on Nobitex. Zanjani describes himself as an “antisanction operator” and an “economic Basij soldier”, publicly endorsing blockchain technology to evade Western financial institutions. His spokesman denies accusations of money laundering and sanctions evasion through crypto exchanges. Iran ups crypto strategy amid heightened tensions Iran holds a significant amount of crypto assets, estimated to be $7.7 billion, to cope with sanctions. The IRGC funnels nearly $3 billion in crypto through digital channels. Among other things, this involves the use of cryptocurrencies for oil trade payments, including payments for shipping tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by Cryptopolitan, Iran has launched a new crypto-backed maritime insurance scheme called Hormuz Safe, intended to protect ships transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Incepted in mid-May 2026, this Bitcoin-supported initiative aims to serve Iranian shipping businesses and cargo owners moving across this extremely vital energy artery. As it stands, the DOJ has seized nearly half a billion dollars’ worth of crypto linked to Iran. Warnings have been issued regarding IRGC involvement with crypto. In particular, the USDZ stablecoin created by Iran has been mentioned. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

23 May 2026, 13:53

Bitcoin “No One Cares” Phase Could Set Stage for Sharp Rebound, Analysts Say

Bitcoin may be entering the type of low-attention environment that has historically preceded some of its strongest rebounds, according to market commentators analyzing on-chain data. In a tweet, Rand Group pointed to Bitcoin’s Sell-Side Risk Ratio chart, arguing that periods when “no one cares about Bitcoin” have repeatedly marked market bottoms and explosive recoveries. Visit Website

23 May 2026, 13:44

Hoskinson Shuts Down His Health Clinic, Declares 100% Focus on Cardano and Midnight

Charles Hoskinson has reaffirmed his full commitment to Cardano and Midnight following reports that his Wyoming-based healthcare venture will shut down later this year. His latest comments signal a strategic shift in priorities as he concentrates entirely on blockchain-related initiatives, particularly Cardano and Midnight. Visit Website

23 May 2026, 13:40

Sui drops all fees for stablecoin transfers on its network

🚀 Sui drops gas fees for all stablecoin transfers. Now, anyone can send stablecoins on Sui with zero friction. Continue Reading: Sui drops all fees for stablecoin transfers on its network The post Sui drops all fees for stablecoin transfers on its network appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

23 May 2026, 13:32

Bitcoin Slides as Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index Signals Reduced Institutional Accumulation

The Coinbase bitcoin premium index has fallen to its lowest level in a month, with analysts warning that intensified institutional selling is adding significant weight to BTC’s near-term price outlook. What the Data Shows The Coinbase bitcoin premium, an index measuring the price difference between bitcoin traded on Coinbase (used predominantly by U.S. institutional investors)

23 May 2026, 13:25

Trump Delays Iran Strike Decision, Extends Diplomatic Window: WSJ

BitcoinWorld Trump Delays Iran Strike Decision, Extends Diplomatic Window: WSJ President Donald Trump has opted against immediately ordering a new military strike on Iran, choosing instead to extend the timeline for ongoing diplomatic negotiations, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) citing multiple U.S. officials. The decision came after a May 22 meeting with his national security team, during which the President was briefed on the status of talks with Tehran. Behind the Decision: A Deliberate Pause During the high-level meeting, President Trump expressed his intention to allow more time for the current dialogue with Iran to produce results. The WSJ report indicates that while the President is giving diplomacy a chance, he made it clear to his advisors that the option for a military attack remains firmly on the table should negotiations ultimately fail. This calibrated approach underscores the administration’s strategy of maintaining maximum pressure while exploring a diplomatic off-ramp. Context and Implications for the Region The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program. The U.S. has consistently sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons capability, and the current talks are seen as a critical window to achieve that goal through non-military means. By postponing a strike, the administration buys time for negotiators but also risks signaling hesitation to Tehran. The WSJ report suggests the internal debate reflects a broader split between those favoring immediate military action and those advocating for sustained diplomatic engagement. Why This Matters For global markets and regional stability, the postponement reduces the immediate risk of a major conflict in the Middle East, which could disrupt oil supplies and escalate into a broader war. For U.S. allies and adversaries alike, the move signals that the Trump administration is willing to exhaust diplomatic channels before resorting to force. However, the explicit reservation of the military option means the threat of a strike remains a key leverage point in ongoing negotiations. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether talks can produce tangible progress or if the U.S. will revert to a military posture. Conclusion President Trump’s decision to delay a formal strike order on Iran represents a tactical pause rather than a policy reversal. By extending the timeline for diplomacy while keeping military options open, the administration aims to pressure Iran into a negotiated settlement. The outcome of these talks will likely define the next phase of U.S.-Iran relations and shape the security landscape of the Middle East. FAQs Q1: Did President Trump cancel a military strike on Iran? No, he postponed the decision. According to the WSJ, he has not formally ordered a new strike but has reserved the option to do so if diplomatic talks fail. Q2: What was the purpose of the May 22 meeting? The meeting was a national security briefing where President Trump was updated on the status of negotiations with Iran. He then expressed his intention to allow more time for diplomacy. Q3: What happens if the talks with Iran fail? President Trump has made it clear that the option for a military attack remains available. If negotiations collapse, the administration could authorize a strike against Iranian nuclear facilities or military assets. This post Trump Delays Iran Strike Decision, Extends Diplomatic Window: WSJ first appeared on BitcoinWorld .