Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange processed billions of dollars through blockchain networks tied to major supporters of the Trump family’s crypto business, highlighting growing scrutiny over the intersection of digital assets, geopolitics and presidential business interests.

According to a Reuters investigation, Nobitex processed at least $2.3 billion since 2023 through the Tron and BNB Chain blockchain networks.

Those networks were established by crypto billionaires Justin Sun and Changpeng Zhao, both of whom became prominent backers of World Liberty Financial.

Reuters investigation highlights crypto network overlap

Reuters reported that:

  • More than $2 billion moved through Tron
  • At least $317 million moved through BNB Chain
  • Additional transfers continued during the Iran war

Blockchain analysis firm Arkham supplied transaction data reviewed by Reuters.

The report stressed there is no evidence the Trump family knew about Nobitex’s activity on the networks.

However, critics argue the revelations expose uncomfortable overlaps between Trump’s political leadership and his expanding crypto business interests.

Nobitex tied to sanctioned Iranian institutions

Reuters previously reported that Nobitex has become a major part of Iran’s parallel financial system used to bypass Western sanctions.

Investigators found users of the exchange allegedly included:

  • Central Bank of Iran
  • Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Both entities remain under Western sanctions.

Analysts also said the real volume of Iranian-linked crypto transfers may be significantly higher because Nobitex frequently changes wallet addresses to make transactions harder to trace.

Trump family crypto business expands rapidly

The Trump crypto venture Iran controversy comes as the Trump family continues aggressively expanding into cryptocurrency markets.

World Liberty Financial, launched in late 2024, became one of several crypto ventures associated with the Trump family after Donald Trump returned to office.

The company received an early boost when Justin Sun invested tens of millions of dollars into its WLFI token project.

Reuters previously reported that Trump-linked crypto businesses generated hundreds of millions of dollars in income during 2025.

Binance and Tron respond to scrutiny

Representatives for Tron and Binance denied direct responsibility for transactions conducted through their blockchain networks.

A spokeswoman for Tron said the company functions as a technology provider and cannot monitor every transaction occurring on its network.

Meanwhile, Binance representatives argued:

  • BNB Chain operates independently
  • The blockchain is permissionless
  • Binance no longer directly controls the platform

However, Reuters reviewed corporate filings showing Zhao remains connected to BNB Chain Technology through ownership structures in Abu Dhabi.

Crypto and geopolitics increasingly intertwined

The investigation highlights how decentralized blockchain networks now play a growing role in:

  • International sanctions evasion
  • Global finance
  • Geopolitical conflicts
  • Digital asset regulation

Experts say the situation creates unusual ethical questions for the White House.

John Reed Stark described the situation as a “dramatic irony,” noting that networks supported by Trump crypto allies were allegedly used by entities connected to a country the U.S. is confronting militarily.

Trump administration rejects conflict concerns

The White House dismissed suggestions of any conflict of interest.

A spokeswoman for the administration called attempts to connect Trump to Iran’s financial system “totally laughable.”

World Liberty Financial also stated it has no operational control over Tron or Nobitex and said it complies fully with U.S. law.

Iran-linked crypto activity continues during war

Reuters reported that even during the ongoing Iran conflict:

  • At least $22.6 million moved through Nobitex on BNB Chain
  • More than $550,000 moved via Tron

The flows underscore how cryptocurrency networks remain active during wartime despite international sanctions and financial restrictions.

Crypto regulation debate intensifies

The investigation arrives as the Trump administration continues implementing crypto-friendly policies while federal regulators reduce enforcement actions against several major digital asset firms.

The administration’s approach has already fueled criticism from ethics groups and lawmakers concerned about potential conflicts between public policy and private financial interests tied to the president’s family businesses.

Author: Staff Writer | Edited for WTFwire.com | SOURCE: Reuters