Is crypto legal in Iran?

Crypto is legal in Iran, but only within narrow limits set by the state. Licensed mining is allowed, and millions of people trade on local exchanges, yet crypto may not be used as a payment method inside the country. As of October 2026, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) controls the market and US sanctions have hit its biggest platforms.

Is bitcoin legal in Iran?

Yes, with conditions. In August 2019 Iran's cabinet issued a directive that allowed people to use crypto if they accepted the risks, while banning its use as a payment method inside Iran. A Central Bank draft earlier that year had taken the same line on local payments.

Is crypto mining legal in Iran?

Yes, with a licence. The 2019 directive recognised mining as an industry. Miners need a permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade and must pay set electricity prices. Using household, farm or industrial power for mining is banned.

Power shortages keep shaping the rules. In 2021 President Hassan Rouhani announced a temporary mining ban until September 22 after blackouts, and officials said about 85% of Iran's mining was unlicensed. In February 2025 the state power utility Tavanir reported seizing more than 240,000 illegal mining devices. For comparisons, see is crypto mining legal.

Is crypto trading legal in Iran?

Trading is allowed on domestic exchanges, but the state has tightened its grip. In January 2025 the CBI suddenly stopped rial payments on crypto exchanges, affecting more than 10 million users, Al Jazeera reported. Iran's top leaders then gave the CBI full authority to manage the crypto market. Some exchanges regained rial access after accepting conditions such as proof of reserves. The culture ministry also barred crypto from public advertising.

What are the Iran central bank crypto rules?

The CBI's approach has focused on protecting the rial. Documents reviewed by Al Jazeera described proposals for real-time access to customer data and daily limits on price moves for tether (USDT) in rials. In October 2025, Iran International reported new state curbs on stablecoin holdings.

US sanctions add another layer. On June 2, 2026, the Treasury's sanctions office designated the domestic exchanges Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, Ramzinex and Aban Tether, and warned that foreign firms dealing with them risk sanctions. That is one reason global exchanges restrict Iranian users, as covered in why is Binance banned in some countries. For the wider picture, see crypto regulation around the world.

Laws differ by country and change often. Check local regulators or a qualified professional for your own situation.