When it comes to crypto exchanges Iran, platforms that allow Iranian users to buy, sell, or trade digital assets despite international sanctions. Also known as Iranian crypto trading platforms, these services operate in a legal gray zone where most global exchanges like Coinbase or Binance block access entirely. If you're in Iran, you're not looking for the fanciest interface or the lowest fees—you're looking for something that actually loads and lets you move money without getting frozen out or scammed.
Most major exchanges refuse to serve Iranian users because of crypto regulation Iran, the complex web of U.S. and UN sanctions that classify Iranian financial activity as high-risk. This forces traders to rely on peer-to-peer crypto Iran, direct transactions between individuals using local payment methods like bank transfers or mobile wallets. Platforms like LocalBitcoins and Paxful were once popular, but even those have tightened restrictions. Today, the real action happens on smaller, unregulated exchanges that don't ask too many questions—and often disappear overnight.
That’s why you’ll see posts here about exchanges like Coinlocally or Nanex—platforms that look promising until they don’t. Some offer zero fees, but freeze your funds. Others promise high yields but vanish with your crypto. The same pattern shows up in airdrop rumors: ART Campaign, BSC AMP, SHREW—none of them delivered, but people still chase them because the alternatives are worse. Meanwhile, Bitcoin Iran, the most accessible crypto for Iranian traders due to its liquidity and global recognition, remains the go-to asset for storing value outside the failing local currency.
There’s no official list of approved exchanges in Iran. The government doesn’t endorse any, but it also doesn’t fully shut them down—creating a dangerous vacuum where scams thrive. What works isn’t about branding. It’s about trust built through community reports, user experiences, and consistent uptime. You learn which platforms actually pay out after a withdrawal request. You find which Telegram groups still have active traders. You avoid anything that asks for your ID—because if they’re asking, they’re probably reporting to someone.
This collection doesn’t list the "best" exchanges for Iran. There isn’t one. Instead, it shows you what’s real, what’s fake, and what’s just gone dark. You’ll find reviews of platforms that claimed to serve Iran but failed. You’ll see how people bypass restrictions using decentralized tools. You’ll learn why some airdrops are outright scams, and why even "safe" options like ChangeNOW or Uniswap aren’t options for most Iranian users. These aren’t theoretical guides—they’re survival notes from people who’ve lost money trying to do this the easy way.
If you're in Iran and trying to trade crypto, you're not just navigating technology—you're navigating risk. Every click could be a trap. Every platform could vanish. But you still need to trade. That’s why this collection exists—not to tell you what to do, but to show you what’s actually happened to others who tried before you.
Iranian citizens use crypto exchanges to bypass banking sanctions. In 2025, Nobitex dominates locally but is risky after a $90M hack. International platforms like MEXC, KuCoin, and XT.com remain accessible with KYC, while DAI on Polygon is replacing USDT as the preferred stablecoin.