Iran Restricts Crypto Trading Hours Following $90M Hack on Nobitex Exchange

Iran's central bank has imposed a 10am-8pm operating window for all domestic cryptocurrency exchanges after a cyberattack drained over $90 million from Nobitex, the country's largest trading platform. The pro-Israel hacking group Gonjeshke Darande claimed responsibility, marking the second major breach of Iranian financial infrastructure this week following an attack on state-owned Bank Sepah.

Unlike typical crypto heists, analysts note the stolen funds weren't liquidated for profit. Attackers instead "burned" the assets, suggesting the operation served as both a financial strike and political statement. The new trading restrictions aim to bolster cybersecurity oversight during periods when response teams are least active.

Tehran-based Nobitex processes the majority of Iran's crypto transactions, which have become increasingly vital for international trade amid Western sanctions. The exchange's infrastructure compromise raises questions about vulnerability management in sanctioned jurisdictions where crypto serves as an economic lifeline.