“Pay in Bitcoin or You Don’t Pass”: Iran’s New Toll in the Strait of Hormuz Shakes the World

Greetings, dear community. It is a pleasure and an honor to connect with you to share knowledge and experiences, especially at a time when the global geopolitical and economic landscape has just taken a drastic turn in 2026. Following an unprecedented military escalation that included U.S. and Israeli attacks on military facilities, civilians, and infrastructure in Iran and Lebanon, Tehran’s response was not only ballistic but also financial. By taking effective control of the Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly a third of the world’s seaborne oil flows—Iran has imposed a "Bitcoin Toll" that defies the traditional financial system and international sanctions.

The Mechanism: How does the toll work in practice?

Under the new "Strait of Hormuz Management Plan," formally codified in late March 2026, the procedure is strictly digital and monitored by the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). Vessel operators must email exhaustive details: ship ownership, cargo manifest, and tracking data.

Once evaluated, Iran applies a five-tier system of national "friendship":

• Allied Nations: Receive reduced rates.
• Empty Vessels: Allowed free transit.
• "Enemy" Countries (USA and Israel): Completely barred from access.

The standard fee has been set at $1 per barrel of oil. For a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) carrying 2 million barrels, the cost amounts to $2 million in Bitcoin, payable within seconds of receiving instructions to avoid any attempt at interception or tracking.

The Strategy: Why Bitcoin and not Stablecoins?

The choice of Bitcoin as a sovereign settlement asset is a calculated technical decision. Unlike popular stablecoins like USDT or USDC—which have internal "freeze" mechanisms allowing issuers (Tether or Circle) to block funds under U.S. government orders—Bitcoin offers no possibility of confiscation due to its decentralized nature.

Iranian authorities maintain that this system ensures funds "cannot be held by the enemy." Furthermore, they have established a digital currency exchange window on Qeshm Island to quickly convert these revenues into Rials or divert them to foreign accounts beyond the reach of the SWIFT system.

Global Consequences: Skyrocketing Prices and Shortages

The impact on the energy market has been seismic. Daily traffic through the strait plummeted from about 135 ships before the conflict to just 10 or 15 vessels daily under the new regime. Currently, up to 800 vessels are reported waiting in the Persian Gulf to cross.

This paralysis has triggered:

• Record Crude Prices: Brent crude quickly surpassed $100, peaking at $126, while Dubai crude reached $166.
• Supply Crisis: Beyond oil, the blockade affects 30% of the world trade in fertilizers (urea and ammonia) and a third of global helium production.
• Food Inflation: Fertilizer shortages during the spring planting season threaten to drive up food prices through 2027.

The Future: A Permanent Measure?

Although a fragile two-week truce mediated by Pakistan exists, Iran has made it clear that it considers this toll a legitimate exercise of its territorial sovereignty. It is estimated that Iran could generate between $600 million and $800 million monthly from oil and gas tankers alone, though Iranian analysts project revenues of up to $120 billion annually at full capacity.

While President Donald Trump has even suggested that the U.S. and Iran could manage these tolls as a "joint venture," regional powers and major shipping lines like Maersk remain on high alert, fearing that the rules of international maritime trade have changed forever.

What do you think about this new measure? Do you believe we are witnessing a new world economic order marked by Bitcoin? Will the United States succeed in reimposing the old "Petrodollar" regime through free passage, or will it join in the collection of Bitcoin tolls? Your opinion matters—join this free and uncensored space.

Images created and owned by me