Introduction: The Crypto Lifeline for Iranians
Iranian citizens face banking restrictions that cut them off from global financial systems. cryptocurrency exchanges have become a vital lifeline, offering access to international markets and a way to preserve wealth. But with sanctions, security risks, and regulatory changes, choosing the right platform isn't simple. This article breaks down the current landscape for Iranian users in 2026, highlighting domestic and international options, recent developments, and practical advice for safe trading.
Domestic Exchange: Nobitex's Highs and Lows
Nobitex remains Iran's largest domestic cryptocurrency exchange, handling over 87% of all local transactions. Founded as Iran's primary crypto platform, it supports millions of users. However, June 2025 brought a major crisis when hackers stole $90 million from the exchange. This breach exposed critical security flaws and linked Nobitex to IRGC-affiliated financial activity. Later in July, Tether froze 42 Iranian-linked addresses connected to Nobitex, disrupting transactions and forcing users to shift to alternatives like DAI on Polygon. Today, Nobitex continues operating but faces heightened scrutiny, with users advised to verify security measures before trading.
Top International Exchanges for Iranians
Several international exchanges accept Iranian residents despite sanctions. Here's a comparison of the top platforms:
| Exchange | Minimum Deposit | Supported Coins | Spot Maker Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEXC | $30 | 196 | 0.2% | High liquidity, strong security, user-friendly interface |
| XT.com | $10 | 1,010 | 0.2% | Wide coin selection, competitive fees, advanced trading tools |
| LATOKEN | $1 | 475 | 0.49% | Low minimum deposit, diverse altcoins, staking options |
| CoinEx | $1 | 475 | 0.49% | Beginner-friendly, low fees, savings programs |
| KuCoin | $0 | 1,000+ | 0.1% (with KCS) | Easy fiat deposits, large altcoin selection, savings and staking |
Each platform offers unique advantages. MEXC leads in security and liquidity, while KuCoin provides the most flexibility with zero minimum deposits and robust earning options. XT.com stands out for its massive coin selection, and LATOKEN and CoinEx cater to users seeking low entry costs. However, all international exchanges face challenges like limited Persian-language support and potential account restrictions due to sanctions.
Regulatory Changes and Their Impact
Iran's government passed the Law on Taxation of Speculation and Profiteering in August 2025, imposing capital gains tax on cryptocurrency trading for the first time. This law treats crypto similarly to gold and real estate, signaling Tehran's shift from tolerance to active regulation. The move aims to formalize the market while generating revenue, but it also creates compliance challenges for users. Meanwhile, Tether's July 2025 freeze of Iranian-linked addresses forced rapid adaptation, with many users migrating to DAI on Polygon for faster, cheaper transactions. These regulatory shifts highlight the tension between Iran's economic needs and international enforcement efforts.
Security Tips for Iranian Crypto Users
Given recent hacks and sanctions enforcement, security is critical. Start by using hardware wallets for long-term storage-never keep large amounts on exchanges. Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts and avoid reusing passwords. For stablecoin transactions, prioritize DAI on Polygon over USDT due to lower fees and faster processing. Stay updated on exchange security practices; platforms like MEXC and KuCoin regularly undergo third-party audits, while Nobitex's 2025 hack shows domestic exchanges' vulnerabilities. Finally, diversify across multiple platforms to reduce risk exposure. For example, keeping small amounts on MEXC for trading and storing the rest in a Ledger wallet balances accessibility and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Iranian citizens legally use international crypto exchanges?
Yes, international exchanges like MEXC, KuCoin, and XT.com accept Iranian users. However, they must comply with KYC procedures and may face restrictions based on sanctions. Some exchanges may block Iranian IPs or require additional verification. Always check the platform's current policies before signing up. For example, KuCoin allows Iranian users but may require extra ID verification, while MEXC has no specific country restrictions but monitors transactions for compliance.
What happened to Nobitex in 2025?
In June 2025, Nobitex suffered a $90 million hack that exposed critical security flaws. Later in July, Tether froze 42 Iranian-linked addresses connected to the exchange, linking it to IRGC-affiliated activity. These events forced Nobitex to overhaul its security protocols and caused many users to shift to international platforms or decentralized alternatives. The hack remains one of the largest exchange exploits of 2025 and highlighted vulnerabilities in Iran's crypto infrastructure.
Why should Iranians avoid USDT?
Tether's July 2025 freeze of Iranian-linked addresses made USDT risky for users in sanctioned regions. The stablecoin's centralized control allows issuers to freeze funds, which happened to 42 addresses tied to Nobitex. Many Iranians now prefer DAI on Polygon for its decentralized nature, lower fees, and faster transactions without centralized freeze risks. DAI's integration with Polygon also makes it ideal for quick swaps and lower gas fees compared to Ethereum-based USDT.
How does Iran's new crypto tax law affect traders?
The 2025 tax law requires Iranian crypto traders to report profits and pay capital gains tax, similar to gold and real estate. This formalizes the market but creates compliance burdens. Traders must keep detailed records and may face audits. The law aims to regulate the sector while generating revenue, but it could reduce trading activity as users adjust to new reporting requirements. Many traders now use tax-tracking tools like CoinTracking to simplify compliance.
What's the safest way to store crypto for Iranians?
Use hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for long-term storage. These offline devices protect against online hacks and exchange failures. For daily trading, keep only small amounts on reputable exchanges with strong security-MEXC and KuCoin are top choices. Never share private keys, and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Avoid keeping large sums on domestic exchanges like Nobitex due to past security issues. Many users also split holdings across multiple wallets to minimize risk.
Do Iranian exchanges offer better support for Persian speakers?
Yes, domestic exchanges like Nobitex provide full Persian-language support, including customer service and interfaces. However, international platforms like KuCoin and MEXC have improved their Persian support recently. KuCoin now offers Persian-language guides and a dedicated customer support team for Iranian users. While Nobitex's Persian support is more comprehensive, its security issues make it riskier. Many users balance this by using Nobitex for small transactions and international exchanges for larger holdings.
Comments (1)
Hey everyone, I've been using MEXC for a few months now and it's been smooth. The security measures are solid, and the interface is easy to navigate. For Iranians looking to get started, this is a great option. Also, using DAI on Polygon instead of USDT is a smart move-lower fees and no freezing risks. Always good to diversify your exchange usage too!