Key Points
- Tehran proposes a $1 per barrel transit fee payable in Bitcoin for vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz throughout a two-week US-Iran ceasefire period
- Large supertankers carrying full cargo loads may incur charges reaching $2 million
- Alternative payment options include Chinese yuan, deliberately bypassing traditional dollar transactions
- Tehran’s central banking authority previously secured $500 million in USDT, while the nation operates a $7.8 billion cryptocurrency market
- Bitcoin experienced approximately 7% growth following initial ceasefire negotiation announcements
Tehran has unveiled plans to implement transit charges for maritime vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, with payments accepted in Bitcoin throughout a two-week ceasefire period established between the United States and Iran.
Hamid Hosseini, representing Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, disclosed to the Financial Times that the proposed tariff stands at $1 per barrel of petroleum. Fully laden supertankers would face costs approaching the $2 million threshold.
Vessels traveling without cargo will receive passage clearance without financial obligations. Ships transporting goods must settle payment requirements prior to receiving authorization to continue.
According to Hosseini, vessels receive mere seconds to finalize Bitcoin transactions after obtaining approval. This compressed timeframe aims to prevent transaction monitoring or asset seizure under current international restrictions.
Chinese yuan serves as an additional accepted currency. Both payment methods strategically circumvent the US dollar system and minimize exposure to potential fund immobilization.
Tehran’s Embrace of Digital Currency
Iran has progressively adopted digital financial instruments over recent years as American economic restrictions have constrained its financial system. The national currency, the rial, has experienced substantial depreciation relative to the US dollar.
Blockchain intelligence provider Elliptic revealed in January that Iran’s central banking institution obtained $500 million in Tether’s USDt stablecoin. Additional research from TRM Labs documented approximately $3.7 billion in aggregate cryptocurrency movements through Iran spanning January through July 2025.
Iran maintains a cryptocurrency economy valued near $7.8 billion. Bitcoin has emerged as a critical instrument for the nation’s financial transfers during emergency situations.
The Strait of Hormuz represents a crucial global petroleum transportation corridor. Numerous vessels faced effective blockage from utilizing this passage following US-Israeli military operations targeting Iranian installations during February and March.
Ceasefire Provisions and Energy Market Impact
President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire agreement via his Truth Social platform, confirming it encompasses halting military actions against Iran and complete restoration of Strait of Hormuz access.
Iranian government-controlled media indicated the country submitted a comprehensive 10-point proposal as prerequisite conditions for the agreement. This proposal encompassed sustained Iranian authority over the maritime corridor and removal of US economic sanctions.
Oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel for the initial occurrence in four years following the preceding disruptions. Petroleum market values have maintained intense scrutiny from energy sector observers throughout the confrontation.
Bitcoin valuations demonstrated fluctuation during this timeframe, oscillating between $65,000 and $75,000. Following Tuesday’s ceasefire announcements, Bitcoin climbed approximately 7%.
The Block documented earlier surges in Iranian Bitcoin activity during March as regional tensions intensified throughout the Middle East.
