Iran wants Bitcoin payments from ships crossing Hormuz strait
Last Updated on 10 April 2026 by CryptoTips.eu
Digital currencies are making global headlines again now that the regime in Tehran is accepting payment in crypto (or Chinese Yuan) for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Payments are being made in either Bitcoin or USDT. It is unclear which crypto platform is processing the payments though.
Iran demands $1 per barrel of oil passing through Strait of Hormuz, paid in cryptohttps://t.co/n2oVcWRrK3
— The Hill (@thehill) April 8, 2026
$1 per barrel
Thursday was the first day on which many stock traders kept at least a watchful eye on the incoming news headlines, because the agreement between Iran and the US, which was initially received with cheers on Tuesday evening, is still very fragile. For crypto, however, there was good news.
The Financial Times was the first to report that, as part of that rather fragile peace agreement between the United States and Iran, the Islamic regime in Tehran will from now on demand payment in cryptocurrencies from every ship wishing to sail through the Strait of Hormuz (a passage that used to be free).
A spokesperson for the Iranian regime confirmed that ship captains can pay in Bitcoin, although USDT will also be accepted. The price per passage is $1 per barrel of oil. Since the largest oil tankers in the region can carry about 3 million barrels, payments of 3 million dollars in Bitcoin will therefore be made to Tehran every few minutes from now on.
BREAKING: 🇮🇷 Iran is accepting bitcoin for transit toll payments — Financial Times pic.twitter.com/zhgbqI3wVu
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) April 8, 2026
Iran clearly does not want to be paid in US dollars and is increasingly trying to use crypto to escape the economic sanctions imposed on them. Bitcoin and crypto have tonce again found a global use case.
