Iran maintains a restricted regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. The Central Bank of Iran prohibits crypto as a payment method, and mining is regulated under 2019 Cabinet-approved rules. AML enforcement is strict with ongoing actions against financial crimes.
| Status | Restricted |
| Risk Score | 100/100 (Very High Risk) |
| Region | middle east |
| Currency | IRR |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | CBI / Ministry of Industry |
| Framework | 2019 Cabinet-approved crypto mining regulations |
| Ease | hard |
| Cost (USD) | Variable - mining licenses tied to electricity tariffs |
Licensing is mandatory for crypto mining operations, with strict government oversight and limited approvals.
No detailed enforcement information available
| Status | Pilot |
| Name | Digital Rial |
| Issuing Authority | Central Bank of Iran |
| Model | retail |
| Technology | DLT |
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | No |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | non_compliant |
| FATF Body | FATF |
| Suspicious-Activity Reporting | Yes |
Status: Restricted
DeFi activities are restricted due to overall crypto limitations and regulatory controls.
Status: Restricted
Stablecoins are not explicitly regulated but face restrictions under the general crypto ban for payments.
Status: unregulated
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.005/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 7% |
| Infrastructure | fair |
Mining is allowed under strict regulation with licensing; electricity is heavily subsidized making costs very low. Restrictions exist on mining exports and payments in crypto.
| Stability | unstable |
| Sanctions | Yes |
| Corruption Index | 25/100 |
| Banking Access | very_restricted |
| Sanctions Program Active | Yes |
Risk Factors
Iran faces severe international sanctions impacting crypto business, with difficult banking access and high political risk.
Recent Political Events
Iran maintains a restricted regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. The Central Bank of Iran prohibits crypto as a payment method, and mining is regulated under 2019 Cabinet-approved rules. AML enforcement is strict with ongoing actions against financial crimes.
Iran is classified by FATF as: non_compliant.
Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.
KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.
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Explore IT Services →Last reviewed: 2026-09-15 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map
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