Growing geopolitical risk linked to Iran is pushing some commodity traders out of bank payment networks and increasing reliance on stablecoins as an alternative. CoinDesk reported that Western banks are stepping back from certain trades due to sanctions concerns. Haycen executive Luke Sully said compliance burdens are driving a new wave of “debanking”. In trade finance, stablecoins such as Tether’s USDT are increasingly used for one-off settlement. He said this remains a workaround, not a full solution.

Bitcoin is hovering near $73,000, but its short-term direction has turned uncertain again ahead of U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks this weekend. Iran is demanding a Lebanon ceasefire and the release of frozen Iranian assets as preconditions. A blockchain outlet said bitcoin could extend gains or pull back depending on the outcome. Market moves followed Trump’s truce announcement and easing inflation worries, while U.S. messages on the talks diverged.