Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise as geopolitical pressure mounts on Iran from multiple fronts. On June 19, 2025, a major cyberattack hit Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The group Gonjeshke Darande, also called “Predatory Sparrow,” claimed responsibility. Allegedly linked to Israel, this group moved nearly $90 million worth of crypto from Nobitex’s systems. The attackers sent the funds to wallets they controlled. These wallets posted messages denouncing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Blockchain firm Elliptic noted that the wallets were designed to burn the funds, rendering them unusable. This move sent a clear political message to Iran.

Geopolitical Pressure Grows, China Stays Neutral

President Xi Jinping has openly condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran. He urged restraint and called on the U.S. and others to pursue dialogue. Still, China has taken no military action. Beijing continues regular trade with Iran but offers only diplomatic support. Xi said he wants to stop the Middle East from “sliding into the abyss.” China treats Iran much like it treats Russia. It uses words of support but avoids direct involvement. Under rising geopolitical pressure, Beijing’s approach remains cautious. 

The U.S., especially under Trump’s rhetoric, has pressed China to choose sides. So far, Xi has chosen to stay on the sidelines. Despite calling out Israeli aggression, China has not given weapons or military aid to Iran. The focus stays on diplomacy and stability. Iran’s economic ties with China remain intact, but the situation remains fragile.

Cyber Risk Grows as Gonjeshke Darande Strikes Again

This was the group’s second attack in just two days. On June 18, they also targeted Bank Sepah, a state-owned Iranian bank. The June 19 Nobitex hack forced the company to shut down its app and website. Nobitex confirmed the breach in a post on X. The exchange said it was investigating the “unauthorized access.” TRM Labs reported that the hackers posted anti-IRGC messages from the wallets. Elliptic confirmed that the attackers cannot access the crypto. The move was symbolic and meant to punish Iran. 

Chainalysis valued the stolen crypto at $90 million and called the act “geopolitically motivated.” Andrew Fierman of Chainalysis said IRGC-linked ransomware groups used Nobitex to cash out funds. He said IRGC proxy groups had also moved money through the platform. Elliptic added that Nobitex exchanged funds with wallets tied to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Yemen’s Houthis.

Crypto Platforms Under Fire for Iran Links

This incident once again ignites the crypto role and growth amid geopolitical pressure. In May 2024, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Angus King raised concerns about Nobitex. They cited a 2022 Reuters report that claimed the platform helped Iran evade sanctions. Nobitex has denied wrongdoing. However, the repeated cyberattacks raise concerns about crypto security and its use by sanctioned entities. The Nobitex breach also shows how non-state actors use cyber tools for political warfare. Gonjeshke Darande has a history of bold attacks. In 2021, the group damaged Iranian gas stations. In 2022, it hit a steel mill, causing a major fire. These actions underline the growing cyber risk facing Iran.

Rising Geopolitical Pressure Meets Cyber and Crypto Risks

The Nobitex hack comes at a time of rising geopolitical pressure. Iran faces growing scrutiny from the West and targeted cyberattacks from skilled adversaries. China’s neutral stance offers diplomatic cover but not much more. The attack reveals how crypto platforms sit at the heart of modern conflict. As tensions rise, these platforms become key targets. The $90 million lost in the Nobitex attack may be unrecoverable. But the message it sent to Iran and the world is clear. Cyber warfare and geopolitical pressure now go hand in hand. And as the world watches, Iran’s digital and financial systems remain under threat.

The post Cyber Attack Hits Iran’s Nobitex Amid Rising Geopolitical Pressure appeared first on Coinfomania.