Iran's nationwide internet blackout has raised concerns that cryptocurrency transactions could still take place.

Due to widespread protests and the rial's historic low, the Iranian government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown today, disrupting transactions for approximately 7 million cryptocurrency users. Data from TRM Labs shows that the total cryptocurrency flow in Iran between January and July 2025 was approximately $3.7 billion. In the current internet-disrupted environment, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley suggests using Bitcoin as a store of wealth. Currently feasible offline transaction solutions include: Starlink satellite internet, already activated within the country, providing high-speed connectivity; and the Blockstream satellite network, which supports global broadcasting of Bitcoin data. Additionally, Bitchat, a decentralized communication service based on Bluetooth mesh networking, has been downloaded over 1.4 million times since its release and supports transaction data transfer between mobile phones. The Darkwire project, developed by Cyb3r17, utilizes long-range radio technology to create a mesh network, enabling Bitcoin transactions to be transmitted without internet access. Machankura, developed by South African developer Kgothatso Ngako, allows users to send and receive Bitcoin via telecommunications networks instead of the internet. The aforementioned offline solution still requires a connected device to upload the transaction to the blockchain for confirmation.