The US and Iran are negotiating a ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has put a novel proposal on the table: a $1-per-barrel transit toll collected in Bitcoin and stablecoins. Both sides confirmed the talks this week, marking the first direct engagement on the waterway in months.
The Bitcoin toll proposal
Iran's plan would require shippers moving oil through the strait to pay the fee using Bitcoin or a stablecoin. Tehran argues that crypto payments bypass traditional banking sanctions and offer a transparent, real-time ledger. The US has not publicly accepted or rejected the idea, but the proposal is now part of the ceasefire discussions.
Strait of Hormuz ceasefire talks
The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of the world's oil supply. Tensions have flared repeatedly this year, with Iran seizing tankers and the US deploying additional naval assets. The current negotiations aim to de-escalate and prevent further disruptions to global energy markets. Neither side has set a deadline for a deal.
What comes next
Diplomatic teams are expected to meet again in the coming days. The crypto toll remains a sticking point — the US has long opposed any payment system that could help Iran evade sanctions. For now, the talks continue, and the strait stays tense.
