Iran Issues License for Nation’s Biggest Bitcoin Mining Operation

A Turkish firm has been granted a license to operate a data center with up to 6,000 bitcoin mining machines.

Bitcoin in Emerging Markets: The Middle East

Regions with weak states and educated diasporas are seeing a rising demand for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and decentralized applications.

How Bitcoin’s Price Slump Is Changing the Geography of Mining

Although China remains the leading region for bitcoin mining, the coronavirus downturn is changing the picture in other geographies.

Despite Bitcoin Price Dips, Crypto Is a Safe Haven in the Middle East

Bitcoin fell 40 percent this week from coronavirus shocks, but it's still seen as a safe haven in the Middle East.

Why Energy Experts Are Watching Crypto as Oil Wars Emerge

Energy experts say incumbents are complacent about the dominance of the U.S. dollar in oil markets while China and Russia may try to force change.

What the Oil Market Says About Bitcoin’s ‘Safe Haven’ Status

“I don’t think any asset is safe right now – except cash, U.S. dollars.”

Yemen’s Civil War Shows the Dangers of Crypto

The ongoing civil war in Yemen highlights the contradictions underlying bitcoin adoption.

Iranian General Advocates Crypto Use for Skirting Sanctions: Report

Iranian General Saeed Mohammed is calling for the use of crypto to help Iran evade sanctions designed to isolate it from the global financial system, according to Coinit.ir.

Bitcoin News Roundup for Feb. 14, 2020

With bitcoin holding above $10,000, we're joined by CoinDesk senior reporter Leigh Cuen to discuss developments and implications in the case alleged against Larry Dean Harmon.