Iran's crypto tanker tolls are the latest step in its sanctions‑busting trade network
CoinDesk
Iran is now accepting Bitcoin and stablecoins as toll payments from oil tankers to bypass international sanctions and facilitate cross-border trade.Summary
The Iranian regime, specifically through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has integrated cryptocurrency into its broader strategy to circumvent long-standing international sanctions. By accepting Bitcoin and USD-pegged stablecoins as tolls for oil tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz, Iran bypasses the traditional, heavily sanctioned global banking system. Experts from Chainalysis and other institutions note that this is part of a sophisticated, large-scale financial network that utilizes stablecoins to maintain liquidity and facilitate global trade, distinguishing Iran’s approach from the theft-based crypto strategies seen in North Korea.
(Source：CoinDesk)