Iran

Iran permits only licensed crypto mining (2019 Cabinet decree); the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) prohibits use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment. FATF-blacklisted and subject to comprehensive US OFAC and EU sanctions since 2018. Risk score reflects full FATF blacklist + OFAC sanctions peer calibration.

Overview

StatusRestricted
Risk Score95/100 (Very High Risk)
Regionmiddle east
CurrencyIRR

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)Unclear - no specific crypto tax guidance
Capital Gains (Corporate)25% CIT may apply to mining operations
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxUnclear
Airdrop TaxUnclear

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorCBI / Ministry of Industry
Framework2019 Cabinet-approved crypto mining regulations; CBI ban on crypto as payment
Easevery_complex
Cost (USD)Variable - mining licenses tied to electricity tariffs

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

No detailed enforcement information available

CBDC

StatusPilot
NameDigital Rial
Issuing AuthorityCentral Bank of Iran
Modelretail
TechnologyDLT

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleNo
FATF MemberNo
FATF Statusnon_compliant
FATF BodyFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingNo

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Restricted

Stablecoins

Status: Restricted

NFTs

Status: unregulated

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.005/kWh
Renewable Energy7%
Infrastructurefair

Mining is legal but heavily regulated with strict licensing and electricity quotas. The Central Bank of Iran bans crypto as payment, limiting broader crypto adoption.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilityunstable
SanctionsYes
Corruption Index25/100
Banking Accessvery_restricted
Sanctions Program ActiveNo

Risk Factors

Iran faces severe international sanctions impacting crypto businesses, with restricted banking and internet freedom. Political instability and economic challenges increase operational risks.

Recent Political Events

Sources

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Last reviewed: 2026-05-06 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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