Crypto Daddy
Iran is stepping up its sanctions-evasion strategy by integrating cryptocurrency into global oil trade routes. Officials have confirmed that cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz can now pay transit fees using Bitcoin and USD-pegged stablecoins.
The reported toll is around $1 per barrel, meaning large oil tankers could be paying millions per trip in crypto. This move reflects a broader shift, as Iran increasingly relies on digital assets to bypass traditional banking restrictions and international sanctions.
Blockchain data shows that networks linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have already processed hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto transactions tied to oil trade and regional allies, including groups in Yemen.
At the same time, Iran-backed forces have hinted at creating a second strategic chokepoint in the Red Sea, raising concerns about further disruptions to global energy supply routes.
Analysts say stablecoins are especially valuable for Iran, offering access to dollar-based trade without relying on the global financial system — making crypto a key tool in its evolving economic strategy.
