# Tether Claims Iran-Linked USDT Volume Down 94%

> Tether says Iran-linked USDT trading volume fell 94% as it rebuts Senate sanctions compliance claims.
- Title: Tether Claims Iran-Linked USDT Volume Down 94% · BigGo Finance
- Summary: Tether says Iran-linked USDT trading volume fell 94% as it rebuts Senate sanctions compliance claims. Tether claims Iran-linked USDT trading volume dropped…
- Keywords: tether, usdt, iran, senate, sanctions, chainalysis, ofac, kpmg, stablecoin, compliance, finance, markets
- Source: BigGo Finance — https://finance.biggo.com/news/271b0a8d-a007-4241-bda9-f2fe959a492e
- Author: BigGo Finance
- Published: 2026-10-20T05:55:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tether, usdt, iran, senate, sanctions, chainalysis, ofac, kpmg, stablecoin, compliance, finance, markets
## Tether CEO claims Iran-linked USDT volume fell 94%
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said Iran-linked USDT trading volume has fallen 94%, directly rebutting sanctions-compliance allegations raised in the U.S. Senate.

> Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said Iran-linked USDT trading volume has fallen 94%, directly rebutting sanctions-compliance allegations raised in the U.S. Senate.
## Tether froze wallets four weeks before sanctions designation
Tether has blocked relevant wallets an average of four weeks before U.S. and Israeli authorities designated them since 2023.

> Tether has blocked relevant wallets an average of four weeks before U.S. and Israeli authorities designated them since 2023.
## Tether identified problem wallets ahead of Chainalysis in 99% of cases
Tether identified problem wallets ahead of blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis in 99% of cases.

> Tether identified problem wallets ahead of blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis in 99% of cases.
## Senate questions Tether's sanctions compliance
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned whether Tether effectively blocks fund flows from sanctioned countries through its dollar-pegged token.

> U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned whether Tether effectively blocks fund flows from sanctioned countries through its dollar-pegged token.
## Measurement period and baseline not disclosed
The measurement period, comparison baseline, method for determining 'Iran-linked' activity, and definition of trading volume were not disclosed, prompting calls for independent verification.

> The measurement period comparison baseline method for determining Iran-linked activity and definition of trading volume were not disclosed prompting calls for independent verification.
## Tether's transparency push includes KPMG signing 2025 statements
KPMG's signing of Tether's 2025 financial statements signals the company's move toward institutional-grade accountability.

> KPMG's signing of Tether's 2025 financial statements signals the company's move toward institutional-grade accountability.
## Iran-related stablecoin activity could rise despite share decline
Standard Chartered projects total stablecoin supply will increase significantly by 2030, raising absolute Iran-related activity even if its share declines.

> Standard Chartered projects total stablecoin supply will increase significantly by 2030 raising absolute Iran-related activity even if its share declines.
## Tether seeks institutional partnerships for regulatory compliance
Tether is pursuing institutional partnerships, including discussions with Kazakhstan on stablecoins and tokenization, to position USDT as a regulatory-friendly asset.

> Tether is pursuing institutional partnerships including discussions with Kazakhstan on stablecoins and tokenization to position USDT as a regulatory-friendly asset.
## Independent on-chain data will determine Tether's claim credibility
Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs and others publish estimates of major stablecoins' sanctions exposure; their data will confirm or challenge Tether's 94% figure.

> Chainalysis Elliptic TRM Labs and others publish estimates of major stablecoins' sanctions exposure; their data will confirm or challenge Tether's 94% figure.
## Key takeaway

Tether claims Iran-linked USDT trading volume dropped 94% by freezing wallets four weeks before sanctions designation, rebutting Senate sanctions compliance concerns.