Iran's nationwide internet shutdown raises concerns as cryptocurrency trading continues

Due to the spread of protests within Iran and the rial's exchange rate falling to a historic low, the Iranian government has implemented a nationwide internet shutdown today, affecting approximately 7 million cryptocurrency users' ability to trade.

Data from TRM Labs shows that from January to July 2025, the total cryptocurrency flow within Iran was about $3.7 billion. In the current shutdown environment, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley suggests using Bitcoin as a means of wealth storage. Currently feasible offline trading solutions include: Starlink satellite internet has been activated within the country, providing high-speed connectivity; the Blockstream satellite network supports broadcasting Bitcoin data globally. Additionally, the decentralized communication service Bitchat, based on a Bluetooth mesh network, has been downloaded over 1.4 million times since its release, allowing for the transmission of transaction data between mobile phones. The Darkwire project, developed by Cyb3r17, creates a mesh network using long-range radio technology to transmit Bitcoin transactions in a no-internet environment. Machankura, developed by South African developer Kgothatso Ngako, allows users to send and receive Bitcoin via telecom networks instead of the internet. Ultimately, these offline solutions still require connected devices to upload transactions for confirmation on the blockchain.