Iran may move forward with the application of a tariff to ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategic maritime routes in the world, in a measure associated with the current ceasefire context. The proposal includes payments in cryptocurrencies and additional control rules over transported cargo.
According to the newspaper, the initiative was described by Hamid Hosseini, spokesman for the Union of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Exporters of Iran, who detailed the contours of a charging system aimed mainly at oil tankers in transit.
Payment in cryptocurrencies and new rules
The proposal calls for each ship to communicate its cargo in advance before crossing the strait. According to the same source, operators must “send an email with load information and wait for tariff notification” before continuing their journey.
The established value is one dollar per barrel of oil transported. The publication adds that empty ships are exempt from this charge, being the only ones to escape the expected tariff.
Bitcoin as a payment method
The payment method is also part of the requirements. The newspaper writes that the amount must be paid in bitcoin, shortly after the evaluation, with the aim of avoiding possible tracking mechanisms or international sanctions.
According to the same source, this option is part of a strategy to circumvent financial restrictions and guarantee the execution of the measure during the ceasefire period.
Maritime traffic warnings and control
In addition to the financial component, warnings were issued related to circulation in the strait. The same source reports that a communication in English, transmitted via radio, warned that unauthorized ships could be targeted for destruction.
Traffic control must be reinforced. It is worth noting that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council will be responsible for decisions on crossing conditions, including defining the routes to be followed.
Routes close to the Iranian coast
Authorities intend to concentrate traffic close to Iranian territory. Ships must use a route closer to the country’s coast, allowing greater supervision over movements and cargo. This measure also appears associated with the intention to more rigorously monitor the products transported, with the aim of identifying possible arms transfers.
Despite announced intentions, maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz remains limited. According to the Financial Times, data from the MarineTraffic website indicates that the movement of oil tankers and cargo ships remains largely at a standstill. According to the same source, the situation continues after Iran backed away from opening the road, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by continuing attacks in Lebanon.
Context of regional tension
The announcement of these measures comes at a time of high geopolitical tension in the region. The publication adds that the agreed ceasefire was expected to last two weeks, during which these rules could be applied.
The evolution of the situation on the ground may determine the effective implementation of tariffs and other requirements, keeping the normal functioning of this strategic maritime route open.
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