Iran just made a bold move by accepting crypto payments for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson confirmed bitcoin and USD-pegged stablecoins are now accepted for the $1-per-barrel toll.

This isn't new for Iran. The IRGC has been using crypto for cross-border trade, especially oil sales, for years. Chainalysis data shows complex wallet networks handling hundreds of millions in sanctioned transactions.

The difference between Iran and North Korea? Iran uses stablecoins to actually trade globally, while North Korea steals and launders crypto. With most banks sanctioned, stablecoins give Iran a way to bypass the traditional system.

This could mean more crypto adoption in sanctioned economies. If more countries follow, it could boost demand for stablecoins and reshape how global trade works under sanctions.

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