When it comes to crypto regulation in Iran, the Iranian government’s stance on digital assets is contradictory: outright bans on trading, yet unofficial tolerance for mining under state-controlled conditions. Also known as Iranian cryptocurrency rules, this system forces users into gray-market solutions—using peer-to-peer platforms, non-custodial wallets, and offshore exchanges just to hold Bitcoin or Ethereum. Unlike countries that issue clear licenses or outright bans, Iran’s approach is a patchwork of silence, enforcement, and selective crackdowns.
One key related entity is crypto mining Iran, a practice that’s not illegal but tightly monitored by the state, which controls electricity access and requires miners to register with the Ministry of Industry. This makes mining less about profit and more about survival—miners often run rigs on subsidized power, then sell coins on local P2P markets to bypass banking restrictions. Meanwhile, Iranian crypto laws explicitly forbid banks from processing crypto transactions, making it nearly impossible to buy Bitcoin with rials through official channels. This pushes users toward informal networks, where trust is built on reputation, not regulation.
The result? Iranians use non-custodial wallets like MetaMask and Trust Wallet more than any other country in the region. They trade via LocalBitcoins-style platforms, but with no legal recourse if a seller vanishes. Some even use crypto to send money abroad, avoiding currency controls. But the risk is real: in 2023, Iranian authorities seized over 12,000 mining rigs in a single operation, citing energy waste. Yet, the same government quietly allows state-linked entities to mine for export, creating a two-tier system where only the connected thrive.
What you’ll find in this collection are real stories and hard facts—not theory. We break down how Iranians actually access crypto, what happens when the state cracks down, which exchanges still work locally, and why mining continues despite the risks. You’ll also see how crypto regulation in Iran compares to Nigeria, where similar gray-zone strategies are used, and how tools like blockchain-based charity contracts and DeFi staking are being adapted to survive financial isolation. This isn’t about speculation. It’s about survival in a system that won’t admit crypto exists—but can’t stop it either.
Iran regulates cryptocurrency tightly - not to ban it, but to control it. In 2025, mining, trading, and holding crypto come with strict limits, taxes, and surveillance. Here’s what you need to know.
