Iran crypto mining: What’s really happening with crypto mining in Iran

When you think of Iran crypto mining, the practice of using computational power in Iran to validate blockchain transactions and earn cryptocurrency rewards. It’s not just a niche activity—it’s one of the largest mining operations on the planet, driven by cheap electricity and government tolerance, even amid international sanctions. Unlike countries that ban crypto outright, Iran has quietly become a hub for Bitcoin and other proof-of-work coins. How? Because its state-run power grid produces surplus energy, much of it from natural gas, and the government lets miners use it—at rock-bottom prices.

This isn’t just about individual hobbyists. crypto mining Iran, a large-scale industrial operation fueled by state-subsidized electricity and imported mining hardware. Also known as Bitcoin mining in Iran, it’s become a key part of the country’s informal economy. Miners don’t need licenses, but they do need access to power, and that’s where things get tricky. Power outages are common, and when the government cracks down—usually during energy crises—they cut electricity to mining farms overnight. Yet, miners keep coming back, often switching to solar or diesel backups. The real question isn’t whether Iran mines crypto—it’s how it manages to keep going despite sanctions that block access to Western banking, hardware suppliers, and even technical support.

What’s surprising is how much of this activity is hidden in plain sight. Iranian miners use Chinese-made ASICs shipped through third countries, and many operate under the radar in warehouses, garages, and even residential buildings. Some even sell their mined Bitcoin to local exchanges that convert it to Iranian rials, helping people bypass currency controls. This isn’t a fringe movement—it’s a survival tactic for millions facing inflation and financial isolation.

But it’s not without risks. The government can shut down operations at any time. Miners risk losing equipment, money, or even freedom if caught violating energy rules. And while Iran’s mining output is massive, the coins rarely enter global markets legally. Most stay inside the country or get moved through opaque channels.

Below, you’ll find real stories, hard data, and breakdowns of how crypto mining works in Iran—what’s legal, what’s not, who’s profiting, and how it’s changing the global crypto landscape. No fluff. Just what’s happening on the ground.

How Iranian Energy Subsidies Fuel Crypto Mining Despite Power Blackouts

Iran subsidizes electricity for crypto miners, letting them produce Bitcoin for just $1,300 each-while millions face daily blackouts. This is how a broken grid fuels a sanctions-busting economy.

Nov, 13 2025