Iran, China, and US Shipping Disputes Through Hormuz
Disputes surround shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, involving demands from Iran, passage by Chinese tankers, and varying levels of US naval blockade enforcement.
March 2026
Iran requires yuan payment for ships through Strait of Hormuz
Media reports indicate that Iran is conditioning the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This condition requires that oil payments be made in yuan.
Source ↗Iran permits ships through Strait of Hormuz for yuan payments
Media reports indicate that Iran is permitting the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This passage is reportedly conditional upon oil payments being made in yuan.
Source ↗April 2026
Iran demands Bitcoin payment for ships passing Hormuz
Iran officials stated that vessels passing through Hormuz must pay a tariff of $1 per barrel of oil. Payments must be made in Bitcoin to prevent tracing or confiscation due to sanctions.
Source ↗Chinese tanker passes Hormuz amid US blockade
The Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry passed the Strait of Hormuz. It was owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd and was sanctioned because it transported Iranian crude.
Source ↗Chinese tanker passes Hormuz despite U.S. blockade
The Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was reportedly targeted by U.S. sanctions due to its use in transporting Iranian crude.
Source ↗