Iran Limits Crypto Trading Hours After Politically Charged Hack on Nobitex

Iranian authorities have imposed new restrictions on domestic cryptocurrency exchanges following a large-scale cyberattack on Nobitex, the country’s leading trading platform.

Under the new directive from the Central Bank, exchanges may now operate only between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The move comes in the aftermath of a major security breach that resulted in the loss of over $90 million in digital assets from Nobitex. The attack was claimed by pro-Israeli hacker group Gonjeshke Darande—also known as Predatory Sparrow—who publicly took responsibility and threatened to leak the exchange’s internal data and source code.

Rather than redirecting the stolen assets for personal gain, the hackers reportedly “burned” the funds by sending them to inaccessible wallets, some of which carried anti-Iranian Revolutionary Guard messages. Cybersecurity analysts say the attack appears to have been politically motivated.

READ MORE:

BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund Becomes Margin Collateral on Deribit and Crypto.com

Blockchain firms Elliptic and Chainalysis both confirmed the destruction of the assets, linking the incident to a broader pattern of cyber offensives surfacing during periods of tension between Iran and Israel. Just a day before the Nobitex breach, the same hacker group targeted Iran’s Bank Sepah.

The newly imposed trading curfew underscores growing concerns within Iran’s financial system about digital asset security and the geopolitical consequences of cyberwarfare.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.