Iran has announced plans to require ships, particularly oil tankers, to pay transit fees using Bitcoin when passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This policy will be implemented during a two-week ceasefire recently announced by US President Donald Trump. The move is seen as an attempt to bypass international sanctions by utilizing cryptocurrency. The reported plan has contributed to a 4% increase in Bitcoin’s price to approximately $71,000, with some analysts suggesting the market may have bottomed out last month.
Iran will now require ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to pay their tolls in Bitcoin. This policy applies to oil tankers seeking passage during a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The ceasefire was announced Tuesday night by US President Donald Trump.
Shipping firms would receive a Bitcoin payment request prior to transit through the Strait. Once approved, vessels would be given a short window to complete the transaction. The structure reflects an attempt to bypass traditional financial rails constrained by sanctions.
Last week, it was reported that Iran would start demanding fees in crypto or Chinese yuan. The specific citation of paying in Bitcoin is now sparking a rally for the cryptocurrency. BTC is now up 4% to $71,000 at press time.
Analysts suggest that the crypto market bottomed out last month. The proposed toll system underscores how digital assets can intersect with state policy under pressure. For Iran, bitcoin offers a tool to collect revenue and assert control.
For global shipping, it signals a potential change in how access to key infrastructure is priced. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key global energy chokepoint. This policy ties the cryptocurrency market directly to this critical maritime route.
