Iran Proposes Bitcoin Tolls for Strait of Hormuz Transit Amid US Ceasefire

Iran is exploring the implementation of cryptocurrency-based tolls for shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to recent reports. This development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire intended to ensure the immediate and safe opening of the critical waterway. The proposed system would allow empty oil tankers to pass without charge, while other vessels would be required to pay a tariff of $1 per barrel of oil in Bitcoin (BTC). According to Hamid Hosseini of the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, the use of digital assets is intended to bypass international sanctions and prevent the tracing or confiscation of funds by foreign powers. Under the proposed framework, Iranian authorities would conduct security assessments of each vessel to ensure they are not transporting weapons. Once cleared, ships would be given a very short window to complete the Bitcoin transaction to facilitate transit. The geopolitical instability surrounding the region has already pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in four years. Simultaneously, Bitcoin has experienced heightened volatility, fluctuating between $65,000 and $75,000 as markets react to the ceasefire and the potential for sovereign-level crypto adoption. This move aligns with a broader trend of Iran utilizing digital assets to evade financial restrictions. Previous data indicates that the Iranian central bank acquired $500 million in Tether (USDT), with total cryptocurrency flows in the country reaching approximately $3.7 billion between January and July 2025.