Rumors of $300 billion for Iran: why the crypto market is excited, and Trump denies everything
The information wave surrounding the possible creation of a $300 billion Iran recovery fund has stirred up the crypto community, although President Donald Trump has already rushed to call these rumors an absolute fake. Nevertheless, traders are actively discussing how a hypothetical deal between Washington and Tehran could impact the digital asset market.
What is really behind the $300 billion figure?
The catalyst for the heated debate was a preliminary memorandum of understanding that the US and Iran plan to sign on June 19. Vice President JD Vance quickly moved to reassure the public on CBS, stating that Tehran would only see this money after fulfilling all its obligations. Moreover, as Vance emphasized, American taxpayers will not spend a single cent — the fund will be financed by the Gulf monarchies. Trump himself, on his social media platform Truth Social, was even harsher, completely denying the rumors about budget injections and calling them a "fake spread by Democrats."
The published draft agreement indeed contains no mention of direct payments from America. The essence of the agreements lies elsewhere: any investments from Gulf countries are strictly tied to Iran's behavior. Tehran will have to limit its nuclear development, allow international inspectors, and fully open the Strait of Hormuz.
Why cryptocurrencies ended up at the center of discussion
Although the published materials do not directly mention digital assets, Iran's history with crypto has given speculators a reason for debate. Authorities in Tehran have used cryptocurrencies for years to bypass sanctions. On June 2, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on four Iranian platforms, including Nobitex, the country's largest exchange. The department stated that in 2025 alone, more than half of all crypto transactions in Iran passed through Nobitex, most of which are linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Notably, Tehran has also proposed charging fees in Bitcoin from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Against this backdrop, Bitcoin reached two-week highs, liquidating approximately $246 million in short positions.
The signing on June 19 is expected to clarify the real terms. Until that happens, the contradictions between Trump's statements and Tehran's position are likely to fuel interest in cryptocurrencies.
Expert opinion: The market is clearly overheated by rumors that have no real financial basis. However, the very fact that geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Iran and cryptocurrencies continues to escalate speaks to the growing role of digital assets as a tool for bypassing traditional financial barriers. Investors should wait until June 19 to separate the wheat from the chaff.