As the United States and Israel continue strikes on Iran, global discussions about Iran have intensified. Meanwhile, many people show curiosity about Iran’s technology and systems.
During this period, questions arise about how digital payments operate inside Iran.
Shetab: Iran’s Digital Transaction Network
In Iran, banks use a system called Shetab for financial transactions. Just like India widely uses UPI, Iran relies on Shetab.
Due to repeated international sanctions, Iran does not operate Mastercard or Visa systems. Therefore, local banks depend entirely on Shetab.
Shetab Launch and Functioning
The Central Bank of Iran launched the Interbank Information Transfer Network, known as Shetab, in 2002. Authorities integrated this platform with bank card transactions, ATMs, and POS systems.
Consequently, Shetab supports domestic digital payments across the country.
UPI in India: A Comparison
In India, the National Payments Corporation of India launched the Unified Payments Interface in 2016. Today, UPI dominates digital transactions nationwide.
Users transfer money easily by scanning QR codes or entering numbers through smartphones. Moreover, even keypad mobile phones now support UPI.
Additionally, UPI continues setting new records in India.
Conflict Impact on Iran’s Technology
Experts report that attacks also targeted Iran’s network systems. Furthermore, hackers targeted several popular applications.
After the initial strikes on Iran, attackers targeted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and he has now died. Subsequently, attempts aimed at damaging government buildings and military communication networks occurred.
