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Internet access in Iran has been severed by the government amidst escalating protests over dire economic conditions and a plummeting national currency. This widespread shutdown has ignited discussions about the potential for cryptocurrencies to offer a lifeline to citizens, raising questions about how digital assets might function in a disconnected environment.
Key Takeaways
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Iran's government has imposed an internet shutdown amid widespread protests.
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Approximately 7 million Iranians are estimated to be cryptocurrency users.
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Several technologies, including satellite internet and offline messaging apps, could potentially facilitate crypto transactions without traditional internet access.
The Challenge of Disconnection
With internet access cut off, Iranians face significant hurdles in conducting cryptocurrency transactions. The country, with a population of 92 million, has an estimated 7 million crypto users, according to Statista. Between January and July 2025, TRM Labs reported approximately $3.7 billion in crypto flows within Iran. The current internet blackout, triggered by worsening economic conditions and the Iranian rial hitting record lows against the US dollar, leaves these users in a precarious position.
Potential Solutions for Offline Crypto Use
Despite the internet shutdown, several technological avenues could enable continued crypto activity. Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service offers a potential solution, providing high-speed internet in areas with limited connectivity. There have been calls for Starlink's deployment in Iran, mirroring its use during a previous blackout in June 2025, with unconfirmed reports suggesting Musk may have approved the request.
Another promising option is Blockstream's satellite network, which can broadcast Bitcoin data globally without relying on the internet. Furthermore, decentralized peer-to-peer messaging services like Jack Dorsey's Bitchat, which utilizes a Bluetooth mesh network, have shown the capability to transmit Bitcoin transaction data between phones. However, a stable internet connection is eventually required for these transactions to be confirmed on the blockchain.
Emerging Offline Technologies
Beyond existing solutions, new tools are under development to facilitate offline cryptocurrency use. Darkwire, a project using long-range radio to create a decentralized mesh network for data transmission, including Bitcoin transactions, was unveiled in May 2025. Similar to other offline methods, an internet connection is eventually needed for on-chain verification.
Additionally, Kgothatso Ngako, a South African developer, created Machankura, a tool that allows users to send and receive Bitcoin via mobile phones without an internet connection by leveraging existing mobile telecom networks. These innovations highlight a growing focus on making cryptocurrency accessible even in environments with restricted or no internet access.
Sources
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Iran is cut off from the internet: Here's how crypto could still work — TradingView News, TradingView — Track All Markets.
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