Iran has begun accepting bitcoin and stablecoins as payment for tolls on cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, charging $1 per barrel of oil. This shift aligns with broader efforts by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to use cryptocurrency networks to bypass international financial sanctions. By leveraging digital assets, Iran aims to maintain trade flows despite restrictions on traditional banking channels.
The move underscores the growing role of crypto in global commerce under regulatory pressure. Experts note that Iran's existing crypto infrastructure has already enabled significant cross-border transactions, offering an alternative to conventional currency systems. While the exact scale remains unclear, the integration of digital payments into maritime toll collection reflects a strategic adaptation to economic isolation.