Crypto Cartel Fueling Iran’s Power Shortages: Khamenei-Linked Operations Exacerbating National Electricity Crisis

A crypto cartel linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is reportedly responsible for exacerbating Iran’s ongoing power shortage crisis. This operation, which allegedly involves nearly 100,000 state-controlled mining units, is consuming a substantial portion of the nation’s electricity supply. The Iranian Ministry of Industry manages crypto mining licenses, legalizing them in 2019, yet many operations remain unlicensed and unregulated, leading to consistent power shortages across multiple Iranian cities. This situation has been highlighted by public outcry as frequent power outages disrupt daily life and spark protests, highlighting a growing sense of frustration among Iranian citizens. The financial repercussions are significant for the country’s economy as sectors heavily reliant on electricity face potential losses. Moreover, this crisis challenges the credibility of Iranian governments, leading to decreased public trust as these persistent disruptions continue. Similar power shortages linked to crypto mining have been reported in previous years, indicating a pattern of unchecked governmental operations causing nationwide issues. This situation mirrors past economic challenges in Iran. Experts warn that if unchecked, the continued operation of state-affiliated mining will lead to further economic strain and social unrest. Resolving these energy issues requires significant regulatory action and increased investment in power infrastructure.