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How Bitcoin Mining in Iran Can Cost Just $1,320 and Sell for $68,000

23 February 2026 at 16:25
Bitcoin mining cost in Iran

The post How Bitcoin Mining in Iran Can Cost Just $1,320 and Sell for $68,000 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

As Bitcoin mining gets more expensive around the world, one country stands out for the opposite reason: Iran.

In early 2026, the estimated cost to mine one Bitcoin in Iran is around $1,320. At the same time, Bitcoin is trading near $68,000. That huge gap has sparked talk of a possible 50x return compared to production costs. On paper, it makes Iran one of the most profitable places on Earth to mine Bitcoin.

The Reason Is Simple: Electricity.

Bitcoin mining relies on powerful machines called ASICs that solve complex math problems to secure the network and earn block rewards. Electricity is the biggest expense, often making up 80 to 90 percent of total mining costs. In most countries, power prices have surged. In Iran, however, electricity is heavily subsidized by the government. Industrial rates can reportedly fall as low as $0.005 per kilowatt-hour.

Mining one Bitcoin usually consumes between 2,000 and 3,000 megawatt-hours of energy. At Iran’s low rates, that adds up to roughly $1,320 per coin. In comparison, miners in the United States or Europe may spend anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000 to produce the same Bitcoin, depending on energy prices and efficiency.

Analysts like Money Ape have pointed out that, at current prices, a single mined Bitcoin in Iran could generate more than $66,000 in profit. Bull Theory has also explained how rare it is to see margins like this in today’s mining industry.

But the Story Is Not That Simple.

Iran officially legalized Bitcoin mining in 2019 as a way to earn foreign currency during international sanctions. Licensed miners can operate legally and access subsidized electricity. However, they are required to sell their mined Bitcoin directly to the Central Bank of Iran, which uses it to help pay for imports and bypass global banking restrictions.

At the same time, experts say that up to 90 percent of mining in Iran may happen underground. Illegal miners often connect to residential power lines or unauthorized grid sources to keep costs even lower. While profits can be huge, crackdowns are common, and authorities frequently seize equipment.

There is also a bigger issue. Large-scale mining has put pressure on Iran’s power grid, contributing to blackouts in some cities. The government has responded with raids and temporary shutdowns to stabilize electricity supplies.

Compared to places like Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, or Texas, Iran still has one of the lowest mining costs in 2026. But the opportunity comes with serious risks. For miners, the question is whether massive potential profits are worth regulatory uncertainty, government oversight, and the constant threat of enforcement.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to mine one Bitcoin in Iran?

As of early 2026, the estimated cost to mine one Bitcoin in Iran is approximately $1,320, largely due to subsidized electricity rates as low as $0.005 per kilowatt-hour.

Why is Bitcoin mining so cheap in Iran?

Mining is cheap in Iran primarily because of heavy government subsidies on electricity. Industrial rates are extremely low, making up 80 to 90 percent of operational costs compared to other nations.

Is Bitcoin mining legal in Iran?

Yes, Iran officially legalized Bitcoin mining in 2019. However, licensed miners must sell their coins to the Central Bank of Iran to help the country bypass international banking sanctions.

What are the risks of mining Bitcoin in Iran?

The main risks include regulatory uncertainty, forced sales to the central bank, and potential equipment seizures. Miners also face frequent crackdowns on the large percentage of underground operations that overload the electricity infrastructure.

Ripple News: XRP Could Become a State Reserve Asset as Arizona Advances Crypto Bill

23 February 2026 at 11:31
Ripple News

The post Ripple News: XRP Could Become a State Reserve Asset as Arizona Advances Crypto Bill appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP is finding itself at the center of a fresh policy discussion in the United States.

Arizona lawmakers have advanced legislation that would allow the state to hold XRP as part of a proposed Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund. The bill passed a key committee vote 4–2 and now moves forward in the legislative process.

For XRP, an asset that has spent years navigating regulatory pressure, inclusion in a state-level reserve proposal could mean a shift in tone. It places the token within a public finance framework rather than a courtroom debate.

How the Reserve Would Work

The proposed Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund would be overseen by Arizona’s State Treasurer. The fund would include digital assets seized or surrendered to the state, along with funds appropriated by lawmakers.

Under the bill, the Treasurer would be permitted to invest funds held in the reserve during a fiscal year and lend digital assets to generate additional returns, provided such activity does not increase financial risk to the state. Lawmakers have also stated that the measure is not expected to impact Arizona’s General Fund.

XRP Listed Alongside Bitcoin

The legislation outlines broad eligibility criteria. It names Bitcoin, DigiByte and XRP, as well as stablecoins, non-fungible tokens and other digital-only assets that confer economic or proprietary rights.

The bill also introduces a framework for assessing “cryptocurrency fair value,” using metrics such as market capitalization, network activity and decentralization. That language points to a fundamentals-based evaluation rather than a purely speculative view.

For XRP holders, being included in such criteria reinforces the argument that the token is being judged on its utility and network characteristics.

The bill still faces additional debate and votes. Nothing is final. Yet reaching this stage suggests that digital assets, including XRP, are increasingly being treated as components of financial infrastructure rather than niche experiments.

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FAQs

How would Arizona’s Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund work?

The State Treasurer would manage seized or allocated digital assets, invest them prudently, and lend holdings like XRP without raising risk.

Why is XRP’s inclusion in a state reserve significant?

It signals policy recognition of XRP as financial infrastructure, shifting focus from past regulatory battles to utility and network fundamentals.

Could Arizona’s XRP reserve impact taxpayers or the General Fund?

Lawmakers say the plan won’t affect the General Fund, as the reserve uses seized assets or specific appropriations.

Pro-XRP Lawyer Questions Meme Coin Meltdown as TRUMP and MELANIA Tokens Wipe Out $4.3B

23 February 2026 at 10:00
TRUMP and MELANIA meme coin crash

The post Pro-XRP Lawyer Questions Meme Coin Meltdown as TRUMP and MELANIA Tokens Wipe Out $4.3B appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The fallout from the official TRUMP and MELANIA meme tokens has turned into one of the most brutal retail wipeouts in recent crypto memory. Together, the tokens have erased an estimated $4.3 billion in retail wealth, with more than 2 million wallets now underwater. Both assets have collapsed dramatically from their peaks, plunging as much as 92% and 99%, leaving late entrants nursing heavy losses.

Blockchain data reveals a stark imbalance. While everyday investors absorbed billions in losses, roughly 45 early wallets reportedly secured around $1.2 billion in gains. According to market observers, for every $1 insiders made, retail participants lost roughly $20. The numbers have reignited debate over insider advantage, meme coin speculation, and regulatory blind spots.

Retail Losses vs. Insider Gains

Crypto analyst Zach Humphries described the situation as worse than initially believed, citing new data showing billions lost as prices unraveled. He argued that the “official” branding created a powerful perception of legitimacy, drawing in retail liquidity at scale.

The structure followed a familiar meme coin pattern: rapid hype, explosive early gains, and a sharp collapse once liquidity thinned. With insiders exiting early and retail holding depreciating tokens, critics say the episode reflects a classic wealth transfer dynamic common in speculative cycles. The magnitude of the losses has intensified calls for scrutiny, especially given the political branding tied to the tokens.

Should There Be an Investigation?

Lawyer Bill Morgan questioned whether such a high-profile pump-and-dump dynamic should attract regulatory attention. He suggested it feels like the type of situation an agency might investigate, particularly given the scale of losses among everyday investors.

Former SEC regional director Marc Fagel, however, pushed back. He expressed skepticism that securities laws would apply, noting that meme coins often fall outside traditional investment contract definitions. He also questioned whether government resources should be deployed to rescue investors who knowingly speculated on highly volatile assets.

Morgan countered by referencing legal principles that consumer protection laws are designed to safeguard even the uninformed or inexperienced, not merely sophisticated investors.

The debate touches on a deeper issue within crypto regulation. During Gary Gensler’s tenure at the SEC, meme coins were largely treated as outside the agency’s jurisdiction. Some critics now argue that this regulatory gap created room for speculative traps that harmed retail participants.

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FAQs

Was the TRUMP meme coin crash a pump-and-dump?

The tokens followed a classic hype cycle: rapid price surge, heavy early selling, and a steep collapse once liquidity dried up, hurting late entrants.

Can the SEC investigate meme coins like TRUMP and MELANIA?

It depends. Meme coins often fall outside traditional securities definitions, which can limit SEC oversight unless clear fraud is proven.

Why did so many investors trust these meme tokens?

The “official” branding created perceived legitimacy, attracting retail liquidity quickly before prices reversed and losses accelerated.

Missouri Pushes Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Plan With 5-Year Cold Storage Rule

23 February 2026 at 09:01
Missouri Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill

The post Missouri Pushes Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Plan With 5-Year Cold Storage Rule appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Missouri lawmakers are advancing legislation that would allow the state to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve within its treasury. House Bill 2080 (HB 2080), introduced during the 103rd General Assembly, proposes creating a dedicated fund to hold Bitcoin as a long-term reserve asset. The bill has been referred to the House Commerce Committee and represents a big step toward formal state-level Bitcoin adoption.

The initiative is designed to strengthen financial resilience and position Missouri at the forefront of digital asset integration within public finance frameworks.

Defining Bitcoin and Crypto Infrastructure

A central component of HB 2080 is the formal definition of Bitcoin and related crypto concepts under Missouri law. The bill proposes amendments to Chapter 30 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, adding new sections that clarify key terms such as Bitcoin, cold storage, and cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin is defined as a decentralized digital asset operating on a peer-to-peer network without centralized control. The legislation also outlines cold storage as a method of securing private keys offline in a protected physical environment. Cryptocurrency, more broadly, is described as a digitally recorded virtual currency secured by cryptography and maintained on distributed ledger technology.

By codifying these definitions, Missouri aims to establish a clear regulatory framework to support responsible custody and management of digital assets within the state treasury.

Five-Year Cold Storage Requirement

One of the bill’s most interesting provisions is its strict custody mandate. Any Bitcoin acquired for the reserve must be held in cold storage for a minimum of five years before it can be moved or liquidated. This long-term holding requirement signals that the reserve is intended as a strategic asset rather than a short-term trading instrument.

The fund would grow through gifts, grants, and donations rather than direct taxpayer funding. This structure is designed to ensure that the reserve remains free from state taxation and additional fees tied to traditional transactions. However, other direct crypto-related transactions outside the reserve may still be subject to applicable taxes.

The bill also introduces oversight measures, including custody policies, audits, and biennial reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.

Broader Implications for Bitcoin Adoption

If passed, HB 2080 would position Missouri among the first U.S. states to formally integrate Bitcoin into its treasury strategy. The proposal reflects growing interest among policymakers in treating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, similar to commodities or alternative stores of value.

With an effective date proposed for August 2026, the legislation signals a shift in how state governments may approach digital assets. Should the bill move forward, it could encourage similar initiatives across other states, reinforcing Bitcoin’s legitimacy within public-sector finance.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

What is the Missouri Bitcoin Strategic Reserve bill?

House Bill 2080 proposes creating a state-held Bitcoin reserve. It defines Bitcoin under state law and requires any acquired Bitcoin to be held in secure cold storage for at least five years as a long-term financial asset.

How would Missouri fund its Bitcoin reserve without taxpayer money?

The reserve is designed to be self-funding. It would grow exclusively through gifts, grants, and private donations rather than direct taxpayer dollars, ensuring the state’s operating budget isn’t used for crypto purchases.

When would the Missouri Bitcoin Strategic Reserve go into effect?

If passed by the legislature, the proposed effective date for the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is August 28, 2026. This timeline allows the state to establish the necessary custody policies and secure infrastructure for managing digital assets.

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