Regulatory Scrutiny of Binance and Iran Sanctions₿ Crypto

Binance Faces DOJ Probe Over Iran Sanctions Evasion

March 12, 2026, 12:00 AM155 words8 sourcesAI-Generated · Reviewed by editorial team
Binance Faces DOJ Probe Over Iran Sanctions Evasion

Photo: Pexels / RDNE Stock project

Binance is under renewed regulatory scrutiny as the U.S. Department of Justice investigates potential Iran-linked sanctions evasion. The DOJ is examining over $1 billion in transactions between March 2024 and August 2025, seeking to determine if Binance facilitated funds to Iran-backed groups, including the Houthis. While it remains unclear if Binance itself is a target, the investigation follows reports that the exchange internally investigated and then dismantled a probe into similar activity. Binance maintains it did not directly transact with sanctioned entities and proactively uncovered and shut down illicit networks, claiming a 96.8% reduction in sanctions-related exposure. The Wall Street Journal’s reporting triggered a lawsuit from Binance, alleging reputational damage and unwarranted inquiries. Simultaneously, Binance is expanding its partnerships through Mastercard’s Crypto Partner Program, alongside Ripple and PayPal. This comes after former CEO Changpeng Zhao received a pardon from President Trump in late 2025. The investigation underscores ongoing concerns about cryptocurrency’s role in sanctions evasion.

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