Iran receives an average of $1.5 to $2 million per vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with some payments settled in USDT according to recent reports. Mohsen Zanganeh, a member of the parliament's budget and planning committee, confirmed that these digital asset payments are deposited into the treasury in compliance with budget law. The toll collection occurs at a chokepoint handling up to 25% of the world's crude traffic, while the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has warned maritime firms about sanctions risk when interacting with Iranian digital assets.
Iran Collects $1.5-2M Per Vessel Through Strait of Hormuz
Recent reports confirmed Iran is currently receiving an average of $1.5 to $2 million per vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz concentrates up to 25% of the world's crude traffic. These payment amounts are consistent with earlier disclosed payment structures and the crude transporting capabilities of some Very Large Crude Carriers (VLLCs).
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The funds from these operations were deposited into the treasury in compliance with the budget law and spent in designated areas. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly guided at least 70 commercial ships through Hormuz during the last few weeks.
Parliament Member Confirms USDT Settlement Method
Mohsen Zanganeh, a member of the parliament's budget and planning committee, stated that some payments have been settled using USDT, the largest stablecoin by market capitalization. While some payments have been settled in cash or barter, Zanganeh stressed that others have also been settled using USDT.
Chainalysis regarded the use of digital assets in this case as "a significant milestone," stating it would be "the first known instance of a nation-state demanding cryptocurrency as payment for transit through an international waterway."
OFAC Warns Maritime Firms of Sanctions Risk
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has warned that maritime firms could face secondary sanctions if integrating with Iranian blocked entities "for operating in or supporting the sanctioned Iranian financial sector." The use of digital assets, including USDT and BTC, is under U.S. surveillance.
OFAC warned that digital asset payments tied to Strait of Hormuz passage can create sanctions exposure.
FAQ
How much does Iran collect per vessel at the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran receives an average of $1.5 to $2 million per vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz according to recent reports.
What payment method does Iran use for Strait of Hormuz tolls?
Mohsen Zanganeh, a member of the parliament's budget and planning committee, confirmed that some payments have been settled using USDT, while others have been settled in cash or barter.
What is OFAC's warning about Iran digital asset payments?
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has warned that maritime firms could face secondary sanctions if integrating with Iranian blocked entities for operating in or supporting the sanctioned Iranian financial sector.
