Calling Iran in 2026: WhatsApp Is Blocked — Here's What Actually Works
Calling Iran is harder than most countries: WhatsApp is blocked, Telegram is partially blocked, and US sanctions hit some VoIP providers. The 3 options that actually connect — Eitaa, Rubika, paid VoIP — plus country code +98 and what to expect.
Why calling Iran is different from anywhere else
There is no reliable free way to call Iran right now: WhatsApp is blocked on Iranian networks and works only over a VPN, and Telegram is only partly reachable. Free app calls work only if your contact uses a VPN or a domestic app like Eitaa or Rubika. A call to an Iranian phone number (+98) costs from $0.70/min with BubblyPhone.
Below: the three options that actually connect in 2026 — Iranian domestic apps (Eitaa, Rubika), Telegram via proxies, and paid VoIP. Plus dialing format +98 (Tehran +98 21), the IRST timezone (UTC+3:30 — note the unusual 30-minute offset), and what to expect from each method.
WhatsApp Is BLOCKED in Iran
The Iranian government has blocked WhatsApp. Many Iranians use VPNs to access it, but it's unreliable and the government periodically cracks down on VPN usage. Do not rely on WhatsApp for calling Iran. Telegram is partially blocked but more accessible. Domestic apps like Eitaa and Rubika are government-approved alternatives used inside Iran.
Sanctions Affect Services
US sanctions against Iran mean some American services may not work for Iran. Google Voice may not connect to Iranian numbers. Some VoIP providers refuse Iran traffic. BubblyPhone works for Iran calls, but always test with a short call first to confirm connectivity.
Free: App-to-App Calls (Limited)
Free calling to Iran is complicated due to government restrictions. Here's the reality:
1. WhatsApp — BLOCKED
WhatsApp is blocked by the Iranian government. Some Iranians access it through VPNs, but it's unreliable. If your contact uses a VPN, WhatsApp calls may work sometimes — but frequently disconnect.
Warning: Do not rely on WhatsApp for important calls to Iran. VPN access is intermittent and the government cracks down periodically.
2. Telegram — Partially Blocked
Telegram is partially blocked in Iran but remains very popular through VPNs and proxy servers. Many Iranians still use Telegram daily. Voice calls are less reliable than text messaging.
Tip: Telegram messaging usually works through proxies. Voice calls are more likely to be blocked. Use text and voice messages as fallbacks.
3. Eitaa & Rubika — Iranian Apps
Eitaa and Rubika are government-approved Iranian messaging apps used domestically. If your contact inside Iran uses these, they work without VPNs. However, you'll need to install these apps and they may not be available in all app stores.
4. FaceTime — Restricted
FaceTime access in Iran is limited. iPhone market share exists among wealthier Iranians, but Apple services face restrictions due to both government blocking and US sanctions.
Calling Iranian Phone Numbers
Iran is expensive to call, and sanctions complicate things:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.70/min | $0.70/min | Browser, iOS, Android |
| Google Voice | May not work | May not work | Sanctions may block Iran |
| Rebtel | $0.21/min | $0.18/min | Calling plans available |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $3.00-5.00/min | Up to 8x more expensive |
Our honest take: BubblyPhone is expensive for Iran at $0.70/min. Rebtel ($0.08/min) is much cheaper. Google Voice may not work due to sanctions. Free apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) are blocked or unreliable in Iran. For the Iranian-American community, traditional phone calls through Rebtel or BubblyPhone may be the most reliable option.
How to Dial Iran from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 98 + area code + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+98 + area code + number
# Example — calling a Tehran landline:
+98 21 1234 5678
# Example — calling an Iranian mobile:
+98 912 345 6789
# Example — calling Isfahan:
+98 31 1234 5678
Drop the leading 0: Iranians dial numbers starting with 0 locally (like 0912 345 6789). When calling from the US, drop the 0 and use +98 followed by the rest. Tehran area code is 21, Isfahan is 31.
Number Format
- Tehran: +98 21 + 8 digits
- Isfahan: +98 31 + 8 digits
- Mobiles: +98 9XX + 7 digits
- Drop the leading 0
- Country code: +98
Carriers & Mobile
- MCI: Largest carrier (state-owned)
- Irancell: Second carrier
- RighTel: Third carrier
- Time zone: UTC+3:30 (30-min offset!)
- WhatsApp: BLOCKED
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Iran
Try Telegram first (partially works through VPNs). If that fails, use Rebtel ($0.08/min) or BubblyPhone ($0.70/min) to call their phone number. WhatsApp is blocked — don't rely on it.
Calling a business in Iran
Rebtel ($0.03/min landline) is the most reliable option. Persian (Farsi) is the primary language. Some business contacts speak English. Sanctions may affect some calling services.
Apps are blocked
Iran blocks most Western VoIP services. Traditional phone calls (Rebtel or BubblyPhone) are the most reliable way to reach Iran. Some contacts use VPNs for Telegram, but it's not guaranteed.
Tips for Calling Iran
- Iran is 8.5 hours ahead of EST (IRST, UTC+3:30 — note the unusual 30-minute offset). When it's 10 AM in New York, it's 6:30 PM in Tehran. Best window: 8-10 AM EST (4:30-6:30 PM Iran)
- WhatsApp is BLOCKED — do not rely on WhatsApp. Telegram partially works through VPNs. Eitaa and Rubika are the domestic alternatives
- Large Iranian-American community — over 1 million Iranian-Americans, concentrated in Los Angeles ("Tehrangeles"), New York, and Washington DC. Phone calls remain important for staying connected
- Sanctions complicate things — US sanctions mean some services don't work for Iran. Google Voice, PayPal, and other US services may block Iran-related transactions
- Friday is the weekend — Iran's weekend includes Friday (the Islamic holy day). Some businesses also close Thursdays. Business hours are Saturday-Wednesday
- Persian (Farsi) is the language — Farsi is the official language. English is spoken by educated Iranians but not universally
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Iran for free from the US?
Does WhatsApp work in Iran?
What is the country code for Iran?
What is the cheapest way to call an Iranian phone number?
Why does Iran have a 30-minute time zone offset?
Call Iran for $0.70/min
Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +98. A 60-minute call costs $42.00.
Try Free — Call Iran Now