Is Crypto Legal in Iran?

Cryptocurrency operates under strict government control in Iran with the Central Bank of Iran serving as the sole regulatory authority. In January 2025, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a directive designating the CBI as exclusively responsible for regulating the cryptocurrency market, including determining permitted conditions for holding and exchanging digital assets, licensing oversight, and issuing necessary directives for both global and stable cryptocurrencies. All participants in the cryptocurrency sector must obtain licenses from the central bank (1).

The Central Bank of Iran approved a comprehensive Policy and Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrencies emphasizing licensing crypto brokers and custodians to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations under CBI supervision. CBI Governor Mohammadreza Farzin emphasized collaboration with agencies including the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance to establish regulatory mechanisms for digital assets. The framework actively regulates the crypto industry while maximizing economic benefits, particularly exploring usage for international trade settlements to reduce sanctions effects (2).

"The CBI will have direct and unrestricted access to all data, statistics, and records related to entities involved in cryptocurrency activities."

Iran legalized cryptocurrency mining as an industry in 2019 but using digital currencies for domestic payments remains strictly prohibited. The government requires licensed miners to sell their holdings to the central bank to fund imports while facing high tariffs that have led to widespread underground mining operations. In December 2024 and January 2025, the CBI ordered closure of rial payment gateways for cryptocurrency exchanges citing concerns about financial transparency, tax evasion, and speculation in the Tether market as the Iranian rial depreciated thirty-seven percent against the dollar (1).

Source:
https://www.specialeurasia.com/2025/02/05/crypto-iran-geopolitics/
https://amlwatcher.com/news/the-central-bank-of-iran-approves-policy-and-regulatory-framework-for-cryptocurrencies/

Last updated: 18-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.