{"id":12290,"date":"2026-07-31T15:08:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T15:08:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nile1.com\/en\/?p=12290"},"modified":"2026-07-31T15:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T15:08:54","slug":"us-sanctions-iranian-entities-using-bitcoin-schemes-to-charge-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nile1.com\/en\/2026\/07\/31\/us-sanctions-iranian-entities-using-bitcoin-schemes-to-charge-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz\/","title":{"rendered":"US Sanctions Iranian Entities Using Bitcoin Schemes to Charge Ships in Strait of Hormuz"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United States has moved to dismantle an Iranian state-backed maritime network that forced commercial ships to pay cryptocurrency fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Action taken by the Office of Foreign Assets Control<\/a> targets two Iranian entities created to enforce Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approved maritime insurance policies on international vessels navigating the key oil passage.<\/p>\n

According to U.S. officials, the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority established a scheme forcing commercial shipping operators to buy coverage against threats created by Iranian forces, such as vessel seizures.<\/p>\n

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20 percent of global petroleum consumption alongside major shipments of liquefied natural gas. Forcing commercial vessels into regional, state-sanctioned insurance runs counter to standard maritime coverage protocols, which typically depend on international protection and indemnity clubs.<\/p>\n

HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority was set up under Iran’s Ministry of Economy to offer traffic management, emergency response, and security services while requiring Bitcoin<\/a> and other digital assets to bypass Western financial networks. Sanctioned Iranian financier Babak Morteza Zanjani promoted the enterprise to his online followers.<\/p>\n

Reports previously emerged that Tehran intended to require digital currency tolls starting at $1 per barrel of crude, though blockchain intelligence firms initially found limited evidence of high-volume transactions. The regulatory action establishes that state ministries actively established digital payment rails for maritime tolls.<\/p>\n

The action also targeted eight crude oil tankers and operating firms, mainly registered in Hong Kong, involved in transporting Iranian petroleum products. U.S. authorities have sanctioned more than 100 shadow fleet vessels linked to Iran since January.<\/p>\n

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent<\/a> stated that the Iranian economy is facing severe strain marked by triple-digit inflation and diminishing cash reserves. Officials noted the mandatory maritime insurance payments were developed to offset revenue lost during Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>\n

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