Iran cryptocurrency: What's really happening with crypto in Iran

When people talk about Iran cryptocurrency, the use of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in Iran despite government restrictions. Also known as crypto in Iran, it’s not just a trend—it’s a survival tool for millions facing inflation, banking blockades, and economic isolation. While the Iranian government officially bans crypto trading and mining, ordinary people use it to send money abroad, buy essentials, and protect savings from hyperinflation. It’s not about speculation—it’s about staying afloat.

Behind the scenes, crypto mining Iran, the large-scale operation of Bitcoin mining using Iran’s cheap electricity. Also known as Iran Bitcoin mining, it’s one of the biggest in the world. The country’s low power costs—often subsidized by the state—made it a magnet for miners, even after official bans. In 2021, Iran was among the top five global Bitcoin mining hubs. But when the grid started failing, the government cracked down hard. Mines were shut, equipment seized, and miners fined or jailed. Still, underground operations persist. People run rigs in basements, garages, and even rented apartments, using smuggled hardware and off-grid power. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency regulations Iran, the shifting legal landscape that tries to control but never fully stops crypto use. Also known as Iran crypto laws, they’re a mess. The government claims to want to regulate crypto to keep it from undermining the rial, but they’ve also tried to create a state-backed digital currency. The result? A gray zone where people use peer-to-peer apps, decentralized exchanges, and VPNs to trade without getting caught. You won’t find Binance or Coinbase officially operating there, but you’ll find Iranians using LocalBitcoins, Paxful, and Telegram bots to buy Bitcoin with cash or mobile top-ups. It’s risky, but it works.

What you won’t hear in mainstream news is how deeply crypto is woven into daily life. Families use it to receive remittances from relatives overseas. Small businesses accept Bitcoin for imported goods. Students trade crypto to pay for online courses. Even some doctors and teachers have turned to mining as a side income. The Iran cryptocurrency scene isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, dangerous, and often illegal—but it’s real. And it’s not going away.

Below, you’ll find real stories and breakdowns of crypto projects tied to Iran, scams targeting Iranians, mining policies, and how people are beating the system. No fluff. No hype. Just what’s actually happening on the ground.