Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, stated that Tehran intends to closely track all movement through the strait. According to him, the objective is to ensure the ceasefire period is not exploited for the transfer of weapons.
“Iran needs to monitor what goes in and out of the strait to ensure these two weeks aren’t used for transferring weapons,” Hosseini said, adding that while passage would remain open, procedures would be time-consuming. “Everything can pass through, but the process will take time for each vessel, and Iran is not in a rush.”
Cryptocurrency Tolls and Strict Oversight
Under the proposed system, vessels would be required to submit cargo details via email prior to transit. Once reviewed, Iran would assign a fee—reportedly $1 per barrel—payable in digital currencies such as bitcoin. Hosseini noted that ships would be given only a few seconds to complete payment, a measure he দাবি helps avoid traceability or interference due to sanctions.
The proposal highlights Tehran’s attempt to maintain leverage over one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints, even as ceasefire negotiations remain ongoing. Additionally, Iran is reportedly encouraging ships to navigate closer to its coastline, raising concerns among Western and Gulf-based operators.
Rising Tensions and Security Threats
The situation has escalated further following warnings issued to vessels in the Gulf. A radio broadcast in English, reportedly received by multiple tankers, warned that any ship attempting to transit without permission could be destroyed.
This threat has significantly disrupted maritime traffic. Most shipping companies have adopted a cautious approach, with only a limited number of vessels—primarily those linked to Iran—attempting to pass through the strait.
Ceasefire Conditions Under Pressure
The issue of transit through the Strait of Hormuz has become a major obstacle in transforming the temporary ceasefire into a long-term agreement. While Iran is pushing for increased oversight and control, Gulf nations and Western allies are strongly opposing the move.
US President Donald Trump emphasized that the continuation of the ceasefire depends on Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the strait. In contrast, Iranian authorities have indicated that any reopening would follow a new “secure passage protocol” coordinated with their military.
Global Shipping Disrupted
The uncertainty has left global shipping in a state of limbo. Industry estimates suggest that between 300 and 400 vessels are currently stranded in the Gulf, with one executive describing the situation as resembling a “car park.”
Major shipping companies remain wary. Maersk stated it is urgently assessing the evolving conditions but cautioned that the ceasefire does not yet guarantee safe passage. Analysts estimate that even under controlled conditions, only 10 to 15 ships may pass daily—far below the pre-conflict average of 135—making it unlikely that the backlog will clear quickly.
Strategic Implications
The prospect of Iran maintaining any level of control over the Strait of Hormuz is viewed as unacceptable by Gulf powers such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The waterway is a crucial artery for global oil supplies, and uninterrupted access is considered essential.
“Allowing Iran any form of control over the strait would be a red line,” said Ali Shihabi, a commentator close to the Saudi royal court. “The priority has to be unimpeded access.”
As ceasefire negotiations continue and tensions persist, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint where geopolitical strategy, energy security, and military risks converge.
