Iran has transformed the Strait of Hormuz into a controlled toll route. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now monitors ships passing through this critical maritime chokepoint.
Under the new system, vessels must submit detailed information, including ownership, flag, cargo, crew, and destination. Ships are also required to provide real-time tracking. Payments for passage are accepted only in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency. The US dollar is banned entirely.
The toll system only applies to “friendly” nations. Ships bound for the United States or Israel are denied access. Toll fees start at $1 per barrel for oil tankers but can reach millions depending on cargo size and risk. At least two vessels have already completed yuan-denominated transits, including one arranged from China.
Approved ships receive clearance codes and guidance along IRGC-monitored corridors. Some vessels even get armed escorts. Since the system began, shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen by over 90 percent, highlighting the toll system’s impact on global trade.
The toll program is part of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Management Plan. The plan sets security and environmental rules, ensures coordination with Oman, and establishes a formal toll structure. It restricts access for US, Israeli, and allied ships while maintaining clear procedures for approved vessels.
Iran’s adoption of digital currencies is part of a broader strategy to bypass international sanctions. Since legalizing Bitcoin mining in 2019, the country has leveraged cheap electricity to generate digital assets. The Strait of Hormuz toll system extends this approach, allowing Iran to export energy and collect revenue outside traditional banking channels.
In other related news also read Iran nuclear talks with European powers
Experts say the new system could reshape regional shipping dynamics. By combining crypto payments with strict vessel monitoring, Iran has positioned itself as a key gatekeeper of one of the world’s most important energy trade routes.
