With Starlink, all I really know is that some people are saying it still provides connectivity, even with older units that were supposedly terminated. If someone manages to stay connected, then yes, they could technically transact in Bitcoin.
But honestly, the bigger risk isnt sending or receiving Bitcoin. The real problem is converting that Bitcoin into actual goods or services. At some point, you still need an exchange or someone willing to accept it for what you need, and thats where exposure usually happens. If they get caught at that stage, we already know what the consequences could be.
As for your question about how to help, I think the most realistic part is simply enabling access to the internet so they can receive Bitcoin in the first place. Beyond that, things get complicated fast.
Governments may not always have visibility into every connection, but once funds start moving into the real economy, thats usually where risks show up.
You're right about the conversion challenge being the real hurdle. Even if someone manages to transact Bitcoin discreetly, turning it into tangible goods without exposing themselves is a massive risk.
Iran's hyperinflation and currency controls already make the local rial nearly useless, which ironically might push more people toward Bitcoin. But finding sellers willing to accept it-or trusted intermediaries to facilitate that exchange-is another layer of complexity. The regime has cracked down hard on crypto exchanges, so peer-to-peer networks would likely be the only option.
Even then, trust is scarce in environments where informants could be anywhere.
