Iran signals intent to become crypto hub at its first international blockchain event

Iran will not manage to meet its digital economy goals unless it embraces cryptocurrencies, officials in Tehran declared at a major blockchain event.

During the conference, Iran’s first international forum of this kind, members of the local crypto community suggested the Islamic Republic should even move beyond the basic recognition of decentralized digital assets and become a regional Bitcoin hub.

Tehran sets crypto regulation as a priority at the international blockchain event

The deBlock 2025 forum, Iran’s first international conference devoted to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, was held this week in the capital city.

It brought together an array of participants, including people active in the crypto space, executives of exchanges, entrepreneurs, economists, regulators, and diplomats.

Addressing attendees, government officials recognized the role crypto assets are going to play in the economy of the future, both in Iran and globally.

In a message read by a representative, the Speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized the need for a strategic approach to regulation in the crypto domain.

Quoted by the English-language Tehran Times and the Mehr news agency, he described the development of a national roadmap for crypto assets as an “undeniable imperative.”

The head of the Majlis referred to a target set in Iran’s latest National Development Plan to bring the share of the digital economy to 10%, noting the goal could not be achieved without embracing crypto.

Ghalibaf urged the ministries of economy and industry, the central bank, and other government institutions to coordinate efforts to ensure regulated growth in the sector.

Iran announces ambitions to become a regional crypto hub

By implementing global crypto standards, “the Islamic Republic can become a successful model in the region and the world, and be recognized as a regional hub for crypto assets,” the high-ranking lawmaker elaborated. He also suggested avoiding a narrow view of the matter:

“The perspective on crypto assets should not be limited solely to mining or buying and selling. To fully utilize the capacities of this industry, we need the comprehensive development of a crypto-based financial ecosystem.”

This, he added, includes providing the legislative basis for operating secure and regulated trading platforms, using cryptocurrencies in foreign trade, and tokenizing real-world assets such as securities and commodities.

Mohammad Ghalibaf was also quoted as stating:

“Crypto-assets and blockchain technology are not merely an opportunity, but a necessity for the future of Iran’s and the world’s economy.”

Shamseddin Hosseini, chairman of the parliamentary economic committee, also highlighted the shift in political attitudes in Tehran regarding decentralized digital money.

“The first official encounter with virtual currencies occurred at the Anti-Money Laundering Headquarters, and they were banned. However, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace later countered this approach,” he reminded.

In his speech, Hosseini took his turn to point to the government’s plan to significantly increase the size of the digital sector in the nation’s economy and agreed with Ghalibaf:

“The digital economy’s share must reach 10% of the country’s total economy, and achieving this goal is impossible without crypto assets.”

Local media put an emphasis on the signing of a memorandum of understanding between deBlock and Trescon Global, the Dubai-based organizer of tech events such as the World Blockchain Summit, which will allow the Iranian conference to be hosted in Dubai.

Reza Soltani, deBlock’s executive director, commented:

“Iran has the potential to become the regional hub for decentralized technologies. The collaboration with Trescon can attract foreign investment, enhance international credibility, and expand technological partnerships with BRICS countries.”

Cryptocurrencies seen as tool to strengthen Iran’s financial independence

Delegates from more than 15 countries attended the current edition of the forum in Tehran’s IRIB International Conference Center, on Nov. 6-7, including representatives of the BRICS group of emerging economies, of which Iran is a member, and of Central Asia.

In his address earlier, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament stressed that cooperation in formats like BRICS has created strategic opportunities for participating nations, including for financial diversification.

“The use of shared cryptocurrencies within the framework of bilateral or multilateral monetary agreements, particularly in BRICS-Plus interactions, can help strengthen economic independence and facilitate international transactions,” Mohammad Ghalibaf explained.

Get $50 free to trade crypto when you sign up to Bybit now