When Tether freeze Iran, the decision to block Iranian wallets tied to Tether’s USDT stablecoin triggered global debates over financial sovereignty, sanctions, and who controls digital money. Also known as USDT sanctions on Iran, this move wasn’t just a technical action—it was a geopolitical signal. Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, holds itself out as a neutral financial tool. But when governments demand it freeze assets, neutrality disappears. Iran’s government-run crypto mining operations, largely controlled by the IRGC, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which runs unlicensed mining farms using stolen public electricity to bypass U.S. sanctions, became a direct target. The freeze didn’t stop mining—it exposed how deeply crypto is now entangled in state-level power struggles.
This isn’t just about one stablecoin or one country. It’s about the fragile balance between decentralization and control. The Iran cryptocurrency, a term that covers everything from underground mining rigs to sanctioned exchanges, operates in a legal gray zone where citizens face blackouts while state actors profit from stolen power. Meanwhile, global regulators watch closely. The crypto sanctions, a growing set of tools used by the U.S. and allies to restrict financial flows to sanctioned entities, now routinely target blockchain addresses, not just bank accounts. Tether’s move followed pressure from the U.S. Treasury, which has repeatedly warned stablecoin issuers to comply with sanctions or face consequences. But here’s the catch: ordinary Iranians using USDT to send remittances or buy food aren’t the ones mining—they’re just trying to survive. The freeze punished them too.
What you’ll find in the posts below is a collection of real cases showing how crypto regulation, state power, and user survival collide. From unlicensed mining operations in Iran to the rise of stablecoin laws like the GENIUS Act, these stories aren’t theoretical—they’re happening right now. Some posts expose scams pretending to be official airdrops. Others break down how exchanges like Echobit and Hermes Protocol operate under these pressures. You’ll see how tools meant to empower users get weaponized by governments and corporations alike. This isn’t about hype or speculation. It’s about who holds the keys—and who gets locked out.
In 2025, Iranian citizens face severe crypto restrictions: payment gateways are shut, trading hours are limited, Tether froze millions, and taxes now apply. Yet crypto remains vital for survival amid inflation and sanctions.