Iran Requires Bitcoin Payments for Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz During Ceasefire

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:53:00 +0200

Iran has announced that it will require shipping companies to pay tolls in cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, for any oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire. The measure is intended to ensure that no weapons are smuggled through the vital waterway. Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union, explained that each tanker must inform Iranian authorities about its cargo, after which the toll—set at $1 per barrel of oil—is determined. Empty tankers are allowed to pass freely, but all laden vessels must follow the procedure, which is designed to avoid sanctions. The toll is paid in Bitcoin, which provides a level of anonymity and ensures that the payments can't be easily tracked or confiscated. This move highlights Iran's efforts to retain control over the region while also testing the potential of digital currencies in international transactions.