The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced new navigation instructions for vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, requiring ships to follow alternative routes to “ensure maritime safety and avoid potential collisions with naval mines,” according to a statement carried by Iranian state media.
The guidance specifies that vessels entering from the Sea of Oman must navigate north of Larak Island before continuing into the Persian Gulf. Ships traveling in the opposite direction are instructed to exit the Persian Gulf south of Larak Island before proceeding to the Sea of Oman. A map illustrating these routes was also provided.
In a new financial measure, Iran announced a fee of $1 per barrel for oil tankers passing through the strait, which must be paid in Bitcoin, as reported by Financial Times. Ships must notify Iranian authorities of their cargo via email and await approval. Once authorized, operators will have a limited window to transfer the Bitcoin payment to an Iran-controlled wallet.
This move aims to maintain Iranian control over the critical maritime corridor while enabling continued oil transit under strict monitoring. Experts warn that the introduction of cryptocurrency-based fees may add complexity to international shipping and trading operations.
