Iran's Crypto Toll Proposal Sparks Debate Over Bitcoin and Stablecoins

Iran's consideration of using cryptocurrency for oil tanker tolls has raised questions about which digital asset would be used: Bitcoin or a stablecoin.

According to analysts, Bitcoin is harder to block or control due to its decentralized nature and lack of issuer. This has led some market participants to present it as a more resilient option for cross-border settlement under sanctions pressure.

However, others argue that stablecoins face freeze risks due to their built-in blacklist functions at the smart contract level. These functions allow issuers to freeze funds when addresses are flagged.

The discussion highlights the complexity of cross-border settlement under sanctions pressure and the need for a clear payment framework. Without one, traders and industry figures have treated the story as a developing issue rather than a settled policy.