President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed reports that the United States will pay Iran $300 billion as part of a nuclear deal, calling them 'fake news.' The denial comes as a preliminary memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran is expected to be signed on June 19 — and as U.S. sanctions on Iranian crypto platforms tighten.
Who pays for the deal
Vice President JD Vance clarified that any $300 billion fund would be supplied by Gulf states, not U.S. taxpayers, and would be contingent on Iran honoring its commitments. The draft deal ties Gulf investment to nuclear limits, weapons inspections, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. No public version of the deal mentions a fixed payout to Iran.
Iran's crypto sanctions track
The timing isn't great for Iran. On June 2, the U.S. Treasury blacklisted four Iranian crypto platforms, including Nobitex, Iran's largest exchange. Treasury said Nobitex processed over half of Iran's crypto inflows in 2025, much of it linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran has historically used cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions, and has floated the idea of Bitcoin tolls for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
Bitcoin bounces on ceasefire optimism
Bitcoin hit a two-week high as ceasefire optimism swept markets, wiping out roughly $246 million in short positions. The rally reflects broader risk-on sentiment tied to the potential U.S.-Iran deal, but the crypto angle remains murky: any agreement that constrains Iran's ability to move money through digital channels could reshape how illicit flows use the sector.
For now, all eyes are on June 19 — and on whether Gulf states will actually front the cash. Iran's willingness to submit to inspections and give up its nuclear program will determine if the deal, and the sanctions relief, hold.
