Crypto Exchange Iran: What You Can and Can't Do in 2025

When people search for a crypto exchange Iran, a platform where users in Iran can buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies using local currency or methods. Also known as Iranian crypto trading platforms, it crypto exchange Iran doesn't exist as a legal, regulated service within the country. Since 2017, the Central Bank of Iraq, the national monetary authority that controls banking, foreign exchange, and financial regulations in Iraq has banned all cryptocurrency transactions, including exchanges, mining, and even holding crypto through local banks. This ban extends to payment processors and fintech apps—any service tied to Iranian banks must block crypto activity. But that doesn’t mean people aren’t trading. Many Iranians use peer-to-peer networks, foreign exchanges with no KYC, or VPNs to access platforms like Binance, Bybit, or KuCoin—despite the legal gray zone.

The real issue isn’t just legality—it’s survival. With inflation hitting over 40% and the Iranian rial losing value fast, crypto became a lifeline for many. People trade Bitcoin and USDT to protect savings, pay for imports, or send money abroad. But every move carries risk. If caught using a foreign exchange, users can face fines, account freezes, or even jail time. The government isn’t just blocking access—it’s pushing its own state-controlled digital currency, which gives them full visibility into every transaction. That’s the opposite of what crypto promises: privacy and control. Meanwhile, crypto regulations Middle East, the evolving legal frameworks across countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iraq that shape how digital assets are treated are shifting fast. While the UAE welcomes crypto firms, Iraq tightens its grip. This makes Iran an outlier in the region—not because people don’t want crypto, but because the state refuses to let them use it safely.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of Iranian crypto exchanges—because there aren’t any legal ones. Instead, you’ll find real reviews of global platforms that Iranians actually use, deep dives into how the Central Bank enforces its ban, and clear warnings about scams targeting desperate traders. You’ll also see how people are bypassing restrictions, what tools they rely on, and why some crypto projects are quietly building solutions for restricted regions. This isn’t about hype or speculation. It’s about survival in a system that says crypto is illegal, but still lets people trade it in the shadows.