US Treasury sanctions Iran’s Bitcoin-backed shipping insurance scheme

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s maritime revenue network, including two firms accused of operating an IRGC-backed insurance scheme for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury said Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority sold mandatory insurance policies covering risks such as vessel seizures while accepting payments in Bitcoin and other digital assets to circumvent sanctions. According to the Treasury, the insurance scheme was designed to generate revenue for the IRGC while giving Iran greater influence over commercial shipping through one of the world’s busiest waterways. The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13902 as part of the US campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran. In addition, OFAC sanctioned eight shipping companies and blocked eight oil tankers that allegedly transported millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products to destinations including China and the UAE. Treasury said it has now sanctioned more than 100 vessels associated with Iran’s shadow fleet in 2026. The latest measures freeze assets subject to U.S. j...