Bitcoin is emerging as a potential component in the fragile ceasefire that is taking shape between the United States and Iran after a 39-day conflict disrupted the region and forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
Tehran is unlikely to relinquish its grip on the narrow trade artery that handles roughly 20% of global crude oil flows. Instead, it plans to manage transit alongside Oman, collecting tolls from vessels seeking safe passage.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s where Bitcoin (BTC<\/a>) comes into play. Those payments may not be limited to traditional currencies. Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for Iran\u2019s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters\u2019 Union, told the Financial Times that certain ships could be required to pay in BTC for safe passage of their oil cargo.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce the email arrives and Iran completes its assessment, vessels are given a few seconds to pay in Bitcoin, ensuring they can\u2019t be traced or confiscated due to sanctions,\u201d said Hosseini.<\/p>\n If implemented, the move would mark a notable shift for Iran, which has previously said<\/a> it would only accept the Chinese yuan as toll payment for the strait.<\/p>\n This week\u2019s Crypto Biz looks at Iran\u2019s reported crypto gambit, Jamie Dimon\u2019s latest comments on blockchain and competition and the White House\u2019s stance on stablecoin yields.<\/p>\n Ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz are increasingly being asked to pay transit fees in cryptocurrency<\/a>, as Iran tightens control over one of the world\u2019s most important shipping lanes, according to the Financial Times.<\/p>\n Reports indicate that vessels, particularly oil tankers, are being charged fees that can reach into the millions per trip, with payments made in crypto or alternative currencies. The system is being enforced by Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has restricted access to the waterway and allowed only approved ships to pass.<\/p>\n The development comes amid ongoing conflict and a fragile ceasefire<\/a>, with Iran using its position over the strait as leverage. With roughly a fifth of global oil flows moving through the route, the use of crypto payments underscores both the geopolitical stakes and how digital assets are being used to bypass traditional financial channels.<\/p>\n JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned<\/a> that a new wave of technology-driven competitors is putting pressure on traditional banking, highlighting both artificial intelligence and emerging financial infrastructure.<\/p>\n In his annual shareholder letter, Dimon pointed to fintech companies and nonbank players adopting blockchain and other technologies to build faster, lower-cost systems. He also hinted that stablecoins should be viewed as part of the broader shift underway in financial services.<\/p>\n America\u2019s biggest bank, as measured by assets, is already investing heavily in its own blockchain infrastructure, including its Kinexys platform, as it looks to compete in areas such as payments and tokenization where new entrants are gaining ground on traditional players.<\/p>\n Stablecoins became a $315 billion market in the first quarter. Source: <\/em>CEX.io<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Analysts at Bernstein say Figure Technologies\u2019 rapid loan growth highlights the potential of blockchain-based lending, suggesting the company\u2019s stock is significantly undervalued at current levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a recent note, Bernstein said Figure surpassed $1 billion in monthly originations, signaling growing traction. It assigned the stock an \u201cOutperform\u201d rating and a $67 price target, roughly double current levels.<\/p>\n Figure\u2019s lending platform runs on the Provenance blockchain, which is designed to reduce costs and speed up loan processing. Bernstein analysts said this structure could improve margins compared to traditional lenders, particularly as volumes increase.<\/p>\n Figure (FIGR) stock\u2019s year-to-date performance. Source: <\/em>Yahoo Finance<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Economists at the White House<\/a> said restricting yield-bearing stablecoins would have a negligible impact on bank lending, challenging claims that such products pose a meaningful threat to deposits.<\/p>\n According to analysis by the Council of Economic Advisers, a ban on stablecoin yields is estimated to increase bank lending by just 0.02%, suggesting only limited spillover into the traditional financial system. The analysis comes as yield-bearing stablecoins remain a key sticking point in market structure legislation talks<\/a>.<\/p>\n The report also pointed to potential downsides. Limiting yields could reduce consumer benefits by cutting off access to higher returns, highlighting a trade-off for policymakers weighing tighter regulation of the sector. <\/p>\n Crypto Biz is your weekly pulse on the business behind blockchain and crypto, delivered directly to your inbox every Thursday.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph\u2019s Editorial Policy<\/a> and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. <\/p>\nBitcoins Iran seeks crypto tolls from ships crossing Strait of Hormuz<\/h2>\n
Bitcoins Jamie Dimon warns blockchain and AI are coming for banking<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nBitcoins Bernstein says Figure stock could double on tokenization growth<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nBitcoins Stablecoin yield ban would lift bank lending just 0.02%, White House says<\/h2>\n