Iran Cryptocurrency Restrictions: What’s Banned, What’s Not, and How It Affects Users

When it comes to Iran cryptocurrency restrictions, a mix of state control, economic pressure, and technical workarounds that shape how citizens interact with digital assets. Also known as crypto regulations in Iran, this system isn’t a simple ban—it’s a patchwork of rules that let mining continue while blocking most public trading. Unlike countries that outright outlaw Bitcoin, Iran allows mining but tightly controls how people buy, sell, or use crypto for payments. The government even runs its own mining farms, using cheap electricity to produce Bitcoin and other coins for state revenue. Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians are stuck in a gray zone: they can’t use exchanges like Binance or Coinbase legally, but many still find ways to trade through peer-to-peer networks or offshore platforms.

This tightrope walk started in 2018, when Iran’s central bank banned banks from handling crypto transactions. The goal? To stop capital flight and protect the rial from dollar-linked volatility. But the ban didn’t stop crypto—it just pushed it underground. Today, you’ll find Iranians using Telegram bots to trade USDT, swapping crypto for gold on local forums, or mining with modified rigs powered by subsidized fuel. The Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency often used as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. Also known as BTC, it is one of the most widely held assets among Iranian traders despite the legal risks. is the go-to choice, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s the most liquid way to store value when the rial loses 40% of its value in a year. The cryptocurrency regulation, the set of laws and policies governments use to control or permit digital asset use, including licensing, taxation, and anti-money laundering rules. Also known as crypto laws, it is a moving target in Iran, with new decrees appearing every few months. keeps shifting: in 2023, the government briefly allowed licensed mining operations to export Bitcoin, then reversed course. In 2024, they started requiring miners to register their hardware and hand over 50% of their output to the state. There’s no clear path for users to legally buy crypto, but there’s no crackdown on individuals who hold it privately.

What you won’t find in Iran’s official policy is any mention of DeFi, NFTs, or Web3. The focus is purely on control: mining for profit, blocking access to foreign exchanges, and punishing those who bypass currency controls. But the reality on the ground is messier. People use VPNs, local traders act as middlemen, and crypto ATMs pop up in Tehran’s bazaars. The crypto trading Iran, the informal and often illegal practice of buying and selling digital assets within Iran, typically through peer-to-peer networks or offshore platforms. Also known as peer-to-peer crypto in Iran, it is how most Iranians actually interact with cryptocurrency today. isn’t a rebellion—it’s survival. And while the government talks about creating a national digital currency, the real innovation is happening in private chats and encrypted wallets. Below, you’ll find real guides, reviews, and warnings from people who’ve navigated this system. Some are about airdrops tied to exchanges Iran bans. Others expose scams targeting users who can’t access official platforms. All of it is written for the person trying to stay safe, stay informed, and keep their assets out of the state’s reach.