Bitwise CEO links Iranian rial collapse and Tehran protests to growing case for Bitcoin

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley has argued that the sharp decline of Iran's currency and rising protests in Tehran underscore Bitcoin's role as a hedge against currency devaluation. Since the June war with Israel, the rial has lost over 40% of its value, inflation has climbed above 42%, and gold coin prices have hit record highs while authorities have tightened rules on Bitcoin mining. Iranians are facing mounting economic pressure from sanctions, banking troubles, and soaring food prices, while some analysts say restrictive crypto policies are limiting people's ability to protect their savings.