Binance, Israel, and Iran: Compliance, Conflict, and Crypto Control
🇮🇱 Israel
Freezing & Blocking Requests
Israeli authorities (IDF/NBCTF) have requested Binance to freeze crypto wallets tied to suspected terrorism or illicit funding.
Binance has rejected about 86% of these requests—only ~14% were acted upon after internal investigation .
In October 2023, Israeli law enforcement froze 100+ accounts linked to Hamas at Binance’s request .
The exchange states that only wallets with verified illicit transactions were frozen, not broad sweeping actions .
Binance's Stance
Emphasizes adherence to international sanctions and AML/CTF protocols.
Investigates each request thoroughly before compliance. Richard Teng, Binance CEO: “Only those wallets were blocked” .
🇮🇷 Iran
Sanctions Compliance
Since U.S. re‑imposed sanctions in 2018, Binance ceased services to residents in Iran and required account liquidation for anyone identified as based there .
In 2022, Binance admitted handling over $7.8 billion in transactions involving Iranian firms between 2018–2022, triggering a $4.5 billion DOJ/Treasury settlement .
Current Access for Iranians
Residents within Iran cannot legally open or maintain Binance accounts.
Iranian diaspora with no ties to Iran’s economy can use Binance after passing KYC checks .
Crypto is widely used in Iran, but users generally rely on local exchanges (e.g. Nobitex) due to sanctions blocking global platforms .
🧭 Summary Table
Country Binance Access Freezes & Compliance
Israel Full platform access; enforces AML/KYC controls Partial cooperation—frozen only wallets with verified illicit links; ~14% compliance with block requests Iran Blocked for residents; open to diaspora with proper KYC Aggressively enforced due to U.S. sanctions; processed large volume of Iranian-related trades historically
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