Iran Enforces Bitcoin as the Only Means to Pay Toll on Strait of Hormuz
The post Iran Enforces Bitcoin as the Only Means to Pay Toll on Strait of Hormuz appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
TLDR: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Management Plan, passed in late March 2026, mandates Bitcoin toll payments. Each fully laden tanker carrying 2 million barrels faces a Bitcoin toll of up to $2 million. Bitcoin surged toward $73,000 as shipping firms faced the prospect of stockpiling BTC for tolls. Stablecoins were rejected due to freeze functions and GENIUS framework compliance requirements. Iran Bitcoin oil toll reports are drawing wide attention across crypto and energy markets globally. Iran has reportedly implemented a mandatory Bitcoin-based payment system for oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz to bypass international sanctions. Iran’s Bitcoin Toll Structure and Payment Mechanics at the Strait of Hormuz Financial Times report stated that Iran was considering Bitcoin payments for oil tanker tolls using the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of the global oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz Management Plan, passed in late March 2026, formally codifies Bitcoin as the primary payment method. Under this system, tankers must submit cargo details, crew lists, and destination ports to Iranian authorities up to 96 hours before arrival. A toll of $1 per barrel of crude oil is then charged, which amounts to $2 million for a fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier carrying 2 million barrels. Vessels attempting to pass without authorization have been warned via VHF radio of serious consequences. The original report cited officials saying ships would have only a few seconds to complete a Bitcoin payment, pointing toward the Lightning Network as the likely mechanism. However, Alex Thorn of Galaxy noted the largest known Lightning transaction to date has reached $1 million. Given toll amounts ranging up to $2 million, Thorn suggested Iranian authorities would more likely provide a QR code or Bitcoin address upon transit approval instead. Bitcoin’s Structure Makes It Iran’s Preferred Choice Over Stablecoins…
Filed under: News - @ April 11, 2026 7:19 pm