Yeliz Akmaca 
The internet blackout in Iran directly affects the global Bitcoin mining network and local cryptocurrency usage. In a country shaken by economic crisis, the future of digital assets rests on the thin line between technological resistance and political oppression, providing a critical durability test for global markets.
Iran’s Mining Power and Global Network Resilience
While Iran once competed for a top spot in global Bitcoin hashrate due to low energy costs, its share has now fallen below 5%. Although internet cuts complicate coordination between miners and pools, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature is capable of absorbing such regional shocks. Having survived a 40% loss during China’s 2021 ban, the network can automatically balance small-scale Iranian dips through difficulty adjustments.
Offline Transactions: How Iranians Bypass Digital Walls
The total internet shutdown has left nearly 7 million crypto users in a difficult position. However, alternative technologies like Starlink satellites, the Blockstream satellite network, and Bluetooth-based Bitchat are stepping in to transmit transaction data. Peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging networks, in particular, strive to protect the digital fortress of financial freedom even when physical connectivity is restricted.
The blackout highlights that Bitcoin mining relies more on uninterrupted energy and technical flexibility than high bandwidth. The struggle for survival under physical isolation has become a key determinant of the network’s difficulty levels and operational costs.
From China to Iran: Comparing Mining Migration Risks
To understand Bitcoin’s durability, looking at the past is useful: the network successfully survived China’s 2021 mining ban. Even though over 40% of the global hashrate disappeared overnight, Bitcoin did not stop; it simply adjusted its difficulty and moved forward. Since Iran’s share is under 5%, the current impact remains minimal compared to the China example.
Industrial Bitcoin mining does not require constant high-speed internet. The vital element is stable electricity. Since blocks are broadcast every 10 minutes, devices can transmit solutions even with intermittent or limited connections. Therefore, an internet cut does not end mining overnight; it merely creates operational “friction.”
Economic Collapse and the Surge of Underground Crypto
The record depreciation of the Iranian rial against the US dollar has driven citizens toward Bitcoin and stablecoins. With $3.7 billion in crypto flow recorded in the first half of 2025, digital assets are seen as “safe havens” amid political uncertainty. However, the blackout creates serious hurdles for local liquidity and exchange access.
The crisis is accelerating the migration of hash power to stable and secure regions. Miners are leaving politically risky zones for countries with transparent energy policies. This shift reduces Iran’s role to a symbolic level while proving Bitcoin’s resilience against state-level interference.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.