Iranians Blame Secret Crypto Mines for Power Blackouts Amid Energy Crisis

Iranians are increasingly attributing the country’s widespread power blackouts to clandestine cryptocurrency mining operations, many of which are allegedly operated by the Revolutionary Guards. The energy grid, already under strain, is reportedly being drained by these unregulated and secretive mining farms, which consume vast amounts of electricity—often on subsidized terms—while ordinary citizens face rolling outages. The disparity has sparked public outrage, with residents accusing officials of favoring crypto profits over basic needs [2].

According to reports, the scale of these mining operations is so large that they are exacerbating the national energy deficit, which has already been deepened by years of underinvestment in infrastructure and the impact of international sanctions. Some residents in Tehran have expressed frustration, stating that while their homes are without power for hours or even days at a time, these crypto farms continue operating nonstop. One resident said, “This power outage is endless, and I cannot stand it anymore. They do no garbage stuff, but mine cryptocurrencies 24/7, but we are deprived of our power.” [2]

The blackouts have had a ripple effect across the economy. Businesses, schools, and industries have been forced to reduce their productivity levels, worsening the already dire economic situation. The misallocation of energy resources has also led to growing resentment toward the Revolutionary Guards, who are seen by many as profiting from the crisis. Critics argue that the energy consumed by these mining operations could be redirected to essential services, including hospitals, transportation, and residential areas [2].

The energy infrastructure in Iran is decades behind in investment, and the growing popularity of crypto mining has placed an additional burden on the system. As a result, blackouts have become more frequent and severe, further eroding public trust in the government. Some miners have reportedly resorted to using diesel generators to maintain operations, raising environmental concerns and increasing costs. This situation highlights not only the technical challenges of meeting energy demand but also the broader governance issues related to resource distribution and accountability [2].

The controversy underscores a deeper institutional conflict between the Revolutionary Guards and the general public. With the Guards in control of some of the most energy-intensive mining facilities, there is a growing perception that the energy supply is being used for private gain rather than public benefit. This has led to calls for a reassessment of how energy is allocated and for stronger oversight of large-scale crypto operations [2].

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[2] Why Are Iranians Blaming Secret Crypto Mines for the Country’s Power Blackouts? – LiveBitcoinNews (https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/why-are-iranians-blaming-secret-crypto-mines-for-the-countrys-power-blackouts/)