Iran's Nationwide Internet Shutdown, Cryptocurrency Transactions Still Possible Attract Attention

Odaily News Due to widespread protests within Iran and the rial's exchange rate hitting a historic low, the Iranian government implemented a nationwide internet shutdown today, affecting approximately 7 million cryptocurrency users and hindering their transactions.

Data from TRM Labs shows that from January to July 2025, the total cryptocurrency flow within Iran was approximately $3.7 billion. Under the current internet blackout, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley suggested using Bitcoin as a store of wealth. Currently viable offline transaction solutions include: Starlink satellite internet, which has been activated within the country and can provide high-speed connections; and the Blockstream Satellite network, which supports broadcasting Bitcoin data globally.

Furthermore, the decentralized communication service Bitchat, based on a Bluetooth mesh network, has surpassed 1.4 million downloads since its release and supports transmitting transaction data between mobile phones. The Darkwire project, developed by Cyb3r17, utilizes long-range radio technology to create a mesh network capable of transmitting Bitcoin transactions without an internet connection. Machankura, developed by South African developer Kgothatso Ngako, allows users to send and receive Bitcoin via the telecom network instead of the internet. The aforementioned offline solutions ultimately still require an internet-connected device to upload transactions to the blockchain for confirmation.