Iran Imposes Toll on Strait of Hormuz Vessels, Exempts Russia, Accepts Crypto

Iran has introduced tolls for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in global energy trade. The toll system, which began implementing transit fees in mid-March 2026, exempts Russian vessels from payments and offers preferential terms to Chinese ships.

Roughly 20% of all global oil shipments flow through this narrow waterway, with China accounting for an estimated 45-50% of its crude oil imports. The toll structure reportedly ranges from $1 per barrel to as much as $2 million per vessel.

Iran is also accepting Bitcoin and stablecoins like USDT as payment for these tolls, facilitated through intermediaries linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This move has sparked concerns about enhanced blockchain surveillance from Western intelligence agencies and potential address blacklisting on major exchanges.